Digitnomics 
By Nonye Ngoka
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has directed ride-hailing platform Bolt to suspend its operations across all airports under its management, citing the absence of a completed concession agreement.
The directive, issued through a letter signed by FAAN’s Director of Commercial and Business Development, Adebola Joy Agunbiade, instructs the company to halt all commercial activities at federal airports with immediate effect.
According to the Authority, no organisation is permitted to operate commercially within FAAN-managed facilities without a duly executed concession agreement.
FAAN stated that Bolt’s suspension will remain in force until both parties conclude and sign the required agreement, after which the company may resume operations.
Long-running airport access dispute
The latest development is the newest chapter in the ongoing debate over ride-hailing services at Nigerian airports.
For years, airport taxi operators have dominated passenger pickups, often charging significantly higher fares than app-based alternatives. This led many travellers to advocate for greater access for ride-hailing services such as Bolt and Uber.
In 2022, FAAN introduced a concession arrangement that provided designated parking spaces for e-hailing operators. Bolt became the first company to secure the concession after meeting the Authority’s requirements.
However, the initiative soon generated controversy.
Drivers reportedly complained about the high operational costs associated with the arrangement, including parking fees and other operational requirements. They were also required to wear branded uniforms, undergo biometric registration, obtain police character certificates, and complete Aviation Security (AVSEC) clearance before receiving approval to pick up passengers at the airport.
Drivers questioned the value of the concession
Despite the investment, many Bolt drivers argued that the concession offered little commercial benefit.
Unlike conventional taxi operators who wait at designated parks for passengers, e-hailing drivers receive ride requests through their mobile applications and can operate from virtually anywhere. Many drivers believed maintaining an airport park was unnecessary and financially unsustainable.
Industry observers also note that competition from traditional airport taxi operators made it difficult for many e-hailing drivers to generate enough trips to justify the concession costs.
What the suspension means
The suspension means Bolt drivers can no longer legally pick up passengers within FAAN-managed airports until the concession agreement is finalised.
The decision may temporarily reduce transportation options for travellers who rely on ride-hailing services while highlighting the ongoing regulatory challenges facing digital mobility platforms operating within government-controlled infrastructure.
As negotiations continue, industry stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether FAAN and Bolt can reach an agreement that balances regulatory compliance with affordable transport options for airport users.
