The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has denied having any role in Uber’s decision to discontinue its operations in Nigeria.
FAAN made the clarification while responding to reports linking its recent directive on e-hailing services at airports to Uber’s decision to leave the Nigerian market.
The agency said its dispute with e-hailing companies was centred on their operations within airport premises and not on their wider business activities across the country.
FAAN had directed airport managers to stop the operations of Uber and other e-hailing companies at airports under its management pending compliance with the agency’s regulatory requirements.
The authority explained that the directive was aimed at ensuring that commercial transportation services operating within airport environments complied with established rules.
It stressed that the measure did not amount to a ban on Uber or other e-hailing companies from operating outside airport premises.
FAAN said Uber’s decision to leave Nigeria was a separate business decision and should not be attributed to the agency.
The authority also clarified that its engagement with e-hailing operators was part of efforts to regulate activities within airport premises and ensure safety, order and compliance with applicable regulations.
Uber announced its decision to discontinue its Nigerian operations after more than a decade in the country.
The company, which began operations in Nigeria in 2014, said its exit was based on its business priorities and investment focus, while stressing that the decision was not related to FAAN’s directive.
