Airport cab operators in Nigeria have raised concerns over the financial burden of complying with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s (FAAN) vehicle upgrade policy, warning that the cost of replacing their vehicles could force some drivers and small operators out of business.
Gatekeepers News reports that the operators spoke with journalists in Abuja on Sunday, amid FAAN’s requirement that airport cab operators use vehicles manufactured from 2012 onwards. The authority has proposed October 2026 as the final deadline for compliance after granting previous extensions.
Prince Amosola, chairman of the airport cab operators, said some operators would need between N15 million and N18 million or more to acquire vehicles that meet the requirement.
“From 15 million and above. 18 million and above,” Amosola said when asked about the cost of replacing the vehicles.
He said the operators were not against upgrading their fleets but needed additional time to raise funds and replace their vehicles gradually.
The operators said the financial pressure was particularly difficult because earnings from airport trips were being reduced by fuel costs, airport charges and other operating expenses.
Ekwuemeaku Alex of Edom Comfort Auto Lease Ltd said drivers could make between N20,000 and N25,000 from a trip, but the amount left after expenses was considerably lower.
He said some drivers could earn only about N10,000 in a week because of the number of vehicles competing for a limited pool of passengers.
“Almost a week? Because they have registered a lot of cars,” Alex said, describing the difficulty drivers face in securing passengers.
Aliu Abdulazee Aliu of Gentle Drive said the cost was even higher for operators who acquired vehicles through hire-purchase arrangements.
“For one vehicle of N18 million, the principle of hire purchase is doubling the price,” Aliu said.
He explained that a typical trip to town could attract a fare of about N25,000, but fuel for the journey and return could consume between N15,000 and N17,000.
“That vehicle that is carrying N25,000, if that vehicle will go to town, drop the passenger and come back, is going to buy fuel between N15,000 to N17,000,” Aliu said.
After expenses such as maintenance and vehicle washing, he said a driver could be left with about N4,000 from a N25,000 trip.
The operators also expressed concern over FAAN’s increase in its airport cab operational tariff from N500 to N1,500.
FAAN has defended the increase, saying the previous charge had remained unchanged for more than eight years despite inflation, rising maintenance costs and other economic pressures. The authority said the vehicle policy was intended to ensure that airport transport services use clean, roadworthy and comfortable vehicles.
The operators said they had also explored electric vehicles following discussions with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. Amosola said some of the electric vehicles under consideration cost about N38 million.
The operators are seeking a longer transition period to allow them to continue operating their existing vehicles while gradually replacing them.
FAAN said operators had been informed of the vehicle requirement since July 2024 and had received extensions, including deadlines in January and June 2026, before the proposed October deadline.
The authority has maintained that the policy is not intended to deprive operators of legitimate business opportunities but to improve safety, comfort and service quality for passengers.
