The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is considering a final extension of the deadline for airport cab operators to upgrade their vehicles until October 2026. This move is presented as a last opportunity for operators to comply with new service standards aimed at enhancing passenger experience across Nigerian airports.
FAAN issued a public announcement on June 22, 2026, addressing concerns raised by members of the Association of Private Cab Operators regarding vehicle upgrade requirements and revised operational charges nationwide. The authority emphasized that the upgrade policy is part of broader efforts to improve reliability, comfort, safety, and overall passenger satisfaction, as airport transportation services are crucial to travelers' first and last impressions.
The authority explained that the vehicle upgrade policy has been under discussion for nearly two years. Operators were first notified of the requirements in July 2024. Following stakeholder requests, the initial compliance deadline was extended to January 2026 and subsequently to June 2026, to accommodate prevailing economic realities.
FAAN stated, "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." The authority reiterated that enough time has been provided for compliance over a period exceeding two years, and no further extensions beyond October 2026 should be expected.
Tariff Adjustments and Stakeholder Engagement
FAAN also defended its decision to increase operational tariffs for airport cab operators, stating that the adjustment reflects current economic realities rather than an arbitrary increase. The previous operational charge of N500 had remained unchanged for more than eight years, despite rising inflation, increasing maintenance costs, and broader changes in the cost of doing business across the country.
The authority noted that the revised tariff of N1,500 is necessary to support airport infrastructure and sustain service delivery, while maintaining operational efficiency across airport facilities. FAAN clarified that the adjustment "should therefore be viewed within the context of prevailing economic realities and the need to sustain critical airport infrastructure and services."
Regarding engagement with operators, FAAN rejected claims of failing to consult stakeholders. It insisted on maintaining regular communication with licensed airport transport service providers through an established stakeholder engagement framework. The authority clarified that its contractual and regulatory dealings are conducted directly with registered cab companies operating within airport premises, not with associations or unions representing them.
Broader Aviation Sector Reforms
The latest directive is part of a series of reforms introduced by FAAN to align airport operations with global standards and improve service delivery across Nigeria's aviation sector. Among these measures is the strict enforcement of a cashless payment policy across airports nationwide.
FAAN announced that cash payments will no longer be accepted at its pay points from March 1, 2026, a move designed to curb revenue leakages and improve transparency. The authority has also expanded passenger convenience through the rollout of free high-speed Wi-Fi services at major international airports, in partnership with MTN Nigeria.
In January 2026, FAAN reviewed cargo port charges, increasing the tariff to N20 from N7. This was the first upward adjustment in nearly two decades, undertaken as part of efforts to support airport infrastructure and operational sustainability. FAAN affirmed its commitment to policies that prioritize passengers and ensure Nigerian airports reflect modern aviation industry standards.
