Uber Exit: FAAN Denies Blame, Exposes Deep Dispute Over Airport Security and Driver Liability

A central point of contention between FAAN and major e-hailing companies involved the allocation of dedicated airport pickup zones and the accompanying legal liabilities. While Uber and competing platforms pushed for exclusive terminal access points, FAAN demanded that the tech companies assume direct responsibility for the security conduct and tracking of drivers utilizing their software within airport precincts.

According to FAAN, the tech firms rejected these terms, contending that drivers were independent contractors required to rely on in-app emergency features rather than platform-level corporate guarantees. This contractual impasse created significant friction, as FAAN observed drivers allegedly turning off apps upon arrival at the terminal to engage in offline price-fixing alongside traditional airport taxi ranks.

To establish order, FAAN introduced the Airport Car Hire Rank Management System (ACHRAMS) to provide real-time visibility over airport transport operators. Kuku emphasized that while passengers retain full autonomy to choose between pre-booked cars, digital apps, or traditional airport ranks, regulatory oversight must remain intact to prevent extortion and security lapses.

Economic analysts observe that while regulatory friction at gateway airports added operational complexity, broader macroeconomic factors—including foreign exchange volatility, rising fuel costs, and declining consumer purchasing power—likely accelerated Uber's structural retreat from the Nigerian market.