FAAN considers extending airport cab row amid shutdown threat

By Dickson Omobola

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced that it is considering extending the July 1, 2026 deadline that requires airport cab operators to retire vehicles manufactured before 2012. The authority said it is evaluating a final extension to October 2026.

Earlier, the Nigeria Union of Private Cab Operators (NUPCO) warned that, if FAAN does not reverse what it calls “anti‑operator” policies, no fewer than 200 cab operators would halt operations at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja within nine days.

The policies in question include the July 1, 2026 deadline for phasing out older vehicles and a tariff increase from N500 to N1,500.

In a statement released to clarify the matter, FAAN said the directive to upgrade to newer vehicle models was driven by a need to improve reliability, comfort, safety and overall passenger satisfaction.

FAAN noted that the issue had been discussed extensively with operators since July 2024, when sufficient notice was provided to allow companies to plan for compliance.

The statement read: “Following requests from operators, the original deadline was subsequently extended to January 2026. Thereafter, an additional extension was granted until June 2026. These extensions were approved in recognition of the prevailing economic circumstances and to provide operators with sufficient time to comply with the requirements. In further demonstration of goodwill and consideration, FAAN is currently considering a final extension of the compliance deadline until October 2026. This additional period is expected to provide adequate opportunity for operators to align with the required standards.”