FG tightens airport car hire rules to enhance security

The Federal Government has commenced moves to sanitise airport car hire operations through the introduction of a new technology-driven system aimed at eliminating unregulated activities, improving passenger safety and closing security loopholes across the nation’s airports.

The initiative, known as the Airport Car Hire Rank Management System, is being implemented by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria as part of efforts to modernise ground transportation services at airports under its control.

Speaking with The PidomNigeria, FAAN’s Director of Commercial and Business Development, Ms Adebola Agunbiade, said the new platform was conceived to address long-standing operational challenges, including the absence of central coordination, inconsistent service delivery and security concerns affecting passengers and operators.

The introduction of ACHRAMS comes amid growing concerns over the activities of unauthorised airport taxi operators, commonly referred to as “touts”, who have for years been accused by travellers of harassment, fare exploitation and operating without proper identification at several airports.

Agunbiade, however, said, “The Airport Car Hire Rank Management System is a transformative initiative by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria aimed at modernising and streamlining airport ground transportation nationwide.

“It was introduced to address inefficiencies in the existing airport car hire operations, such as lack of central coordination, inconsistent service quality and security concerns for both passengers and operators. ACHRAMS is designed to provide a standardised, technology-driven platform that ensures safer, more reliable and hassle-free car hire services for airport users.”

Agunbiade explained that the project would operate as a concession scheme, with FAAN retaining regulatory oversight and management of the digital platform.

According to her, existing ride-hailing companies will not manage the scheme but will only participate on the platform in line with FAAN’s operational guidelines.

“The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, along with car hire operators and passengers, remain key stakeholders in ensuring the success of the initiative. FAAN’s role is oversight and regulation, ensuring standards are maintained while serving the best interests of both operators and passengers.

“Existing ride-hailing companies will not manage ACHRAMS. Rather, they will participate on the platform in accordance with FAAN’s operational requirements,” she added.

The FAAN director further disclosed that designated pick-up points and centralised loading and parking bays would be established at airport terminals under the authority’s management to ensure orderly operations.

She said, “ACHRAMS will operate within airport locations under FAAN’s jurisdiction. To facilitate efficient operations, designated pick-up zones will only be at terminals managed by FAAN. There shall also be a centralised loading and parking bay for all ACHRAMS drivers at the terminals managed by FAAN.”

Addressing concerns that the new system could displace existing airport taxi operators, Agunbiade said the authority was adopting an inclusive approach that would allow both commercial and informal operators to transition into the new framework.

“We understand the concerns of commercial and informal taxi operators whose livelihoods depend on airport passengers. ACHRAMS has been designed to be as inclusive as possible, providing existing operators an opportunity to onboard onto the platform.

“Structured transition programmes and sensitisation schemes are being rolled out to help current operators meet required standards and leverage digital tools for improved service delivery. Rather than displacing operators, the goal is integration, enabling them to benefit from improved access to passengers and enhanced business processes,” she said.

The initiative, according to her, is expected to improve passenger experience, strengthen security around airport transport services and promote greater accountability in airport car hire operations nationwide.