ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Federal Government has begun implementing measures to reform airport car hire operations with the introduction of a technology-driven system aimed at eliminating unregulated activities, enhancing passenger safety and addressing security gaps across the country’s airports.
The new platform, known as the Airport Car Hire Rank Management System (ACHRAMS), is being introduced by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) as part of efforts to modernise ground transportation services at airports under its management.
FAAN’s Director of Commercial and Business Development, Adebola Agunbiade, said the initiative was designed to tackle long-standing operational challenges, including poor coordination, inconsistent service delivery and security concerns affecting both passengers and operators.
The rollout of ACHRAMS follows growing complaints about the activities of unauthorised airport taxi operators, commonly referred to as “touts”, who have been accused by travellers of harassment, fare exploitation and operating without proper identification at several airports.
Agunbiade 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.
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“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.”
She 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 participate in the scheme but will not manage the platform.
“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.
Agunbiade also disclosed that designated pick-up points, as well as centralised loading and parking bays, would be established at airport terminals managed by FAAN to ensure more organised 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.”
Responding to concerns that the initiative could affect the livelihoods of existing airport taxi operators, Agunbiade said FAAN was adopting an inclusive approach that would enable both commercial and informal operators to transition into the new system.
“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.
According to FAAN, the initiative is expected to improve passenger experience, strengthen security around airport transportation services and promote greater accountability in airport car hire operations nationwide.