Air Travel Disruption Looms As Cab Operators Threaten Shutdown At Lagos And Abuja Airports

No fewer than 200 cab operators have issued a nine-day ultimatum threatening to halt operations at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja, citing what they describe as unfavourable policies by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The President of the National Unified Procurement Company (NUPCO), Adeola Adepegba, made this known while addressing journalists in Lagos, alleging that FAAN had increased operational tariffs from ₦500 to ₦1,500 despite no corresponding increase in transport fares over the past three years.

According to him, the development would inevitably lead to higher transportation costs for passengers, while operators are being pressured to adopt an app-based system without proper consultation.

Adepegba explained that since NUPCO’s registration as a union in 2025, FAAN had introduced consultants to transition operators into a digital app ecosystem, a move he said was rejected by members.

He accused the aviation authority of attempting to force operators into joining the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), which he argued operates under a different jurisdiction.

“NUPCO is not an app-based transport system. We were not consulted before this proposed transition. We reject this ambush arrangement,” he said.

He maintained that NUPCO is the only recognised union authorised to operate within airport terminals nationwide, while describing AUATON as strictly an e-hailing platform that picks up passengers via mobile applications.

Adepegba also criticised the tariff hike, describing it as a 200 per cent increase imposed without consideration for prevailing economic conditions.

He said the daily pay-per-pickup fee structure would further strain operators and eventually lead to higher fares for passengers.

“There is no sustainable business that can absorb a 200 per cent increase under the current economic situation. This will automatically affect transport fares and the general economy,” he said.

He further alleged that FAAN had directed operators to phase out vehicles older than 2012 models by July 1, 2026, describing the policy as unrealistic given the economic hardship and low patronage in the sector.

Adepegba also accused FAAN of attempting to reduce the number of operating companies by up to 90 per cent, claiming the move was aimed at replacing existing operators with favoured individuals.

He warned that unless the issues are addressed, members would proceed with the planned shutdown after the expiration of the ultimatum.