The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has denied that its friction with e-hailing operators contributed to Uber's decision to shut down its ride-hailing business in the country.
FAAN Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku said Friday at the Nigeria Aviation Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Lagos that Uber's exit reflected the company's own economic and regulatory considerations. "I can't speak to Uber's exit from Nigeria," she said, adding that the company was best placed to explain its reasons. Kuku said FAAN's engagement with e-hailing and car-hire operators stemmed from passenger complaints, particularly during the December holiday period, about intimidation, unexplained drop-offs and inflated fares by some drivers operating at airports.
She said FAAN does not collect payments on behalf of drivers or compel passengers to use airport-approved car-hire services over e-hailing platforms, and that its role is limited to monitoring who operates within airport premises for safety reasons. "The choice remains with the passenger," she said.
Uber ended its 12-year presence in Nigeria on September 2, alongside a similar withdrawal from Uganda, as part of a global restructuring that includes cutting about 3,300 jobs. The company said the exits were unrelated to any single market's regulatory environment. Bolt and inDrive remain active in the Nigerian ride-hailing market following Uber's departure.
