Airport taxi operators seek extension on FAAN’s 2012 vehicle policy

Airport taxi operators across Nigeria have appealed to the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to extend the deadline for compliance with its directive requiring the use of 2012 model vehicles for airport taxi operations. The operators, who provide transportation services at airport terminals nationwide, said the current economic realities have placed […]

Airport taxi operators across Nigeria have appealed to the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to extend the deadline for compliance with its directive requiring the use of 2012 model vehicles for airport taxi operations.

The operators, who provide transportation services at airport terminals nationwide, said the current economic realities have placed many Nigerians under severe financial pressure, making it difficult for most members to immediately acquire newer vehicles.

Speaking on behalf of the operators over the weekend, Chairman of the International Terminal Zone (ITZ), Mr. Charles Odofin, said a formal letter had been sent to FAAN’s Managing Director seeking approval for an extension.

Odofin noted that the operators fully support FAAN’s introduction of an e-booking application for airport taxi services, describing it as a global best practice already adopted at major airports around the world.

“We support FAAN on the introduction of the e-booking app. It will be beneficial to all stakeholders. Since this is what is obtainable in other parts of the world, Nigeria should not be an exception. We are ready to key into it,” he said.

However, the operators requested that vehicles already certified by FAAN during inspections conducted in May 2026 and cleared to operate until December 2026 be allowed an additional 12 months, extending the enforcement deadline for the 2012 model requirement to June 2027.

According to them, fewer than five per cent of airport taxi operators nationwide have been able to acquire 2012 model vehicles, while the majority are struggling with the high cost of replacement due to prevailing economic conditions.

The operators disclosed that they have approached several financial institutions for vehicle financing and are currently negotiating auto loan facilities to support the transition.

Odofin recalled a similar situation in 2007 when FAAN directed operators to replace Mercedes-Benz V-Boot vehicles with 2004 Toyota Camry models. He said the authority granted operators a 24-month implementation period, enabling them to secure financing through First Bank of Nigeria.

“This is not the first time FAAN has introduced such a directive, and we have always complied. The issue now is the timeline for implementation,” he said.

“When a similar directive was issued in 2007, FAAN gave us time. We partnered with First Bank, which financed the purchase of the vehicles and allowed repayment over 24 to 36 months. We met our obligations without defaults.

“Today, interest rates are much higher. We are in discussions with financiers willing to work with us, which is why we are requesting a 12-month grace period before full implementation.”

The operators appealed to FAAN’s management to consider their request in the interest of a smooth and mutually beneficial transition.

“We shall be very grateful for your listening ears to our pleas and support through cooperation and consideration for seamless implementation that will be beneficial to all parties,” Odofin said.

On the planned adoption of electric vehicles, the operators said they had engaged at least two companies interested in partnering with them. However, the firms requested additional time to build the capacity required to meet demand from airport taxi operators nationwide.