Lagos, Nigeria – A looming disruption may hit operations at two of Nigeria’s busiest airports as more than 200 airport cab operators have threatened to suspend services within nine days over what they describe as unfavourable policies introduced by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

The affected operators, who provide transportation services at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, accused FAAN of implementing measures that could force many of them out of business.

Speaking during a press briefing in Lagos, the President of the National Unified Procurement Company (NUPCO), Adeola Adepegba, expressed strong opposition to recent policy changes introduced by the airport authority.

According to him, one of the major concerns is the increase in operational tariffs charged to airport transport operators. He explained that the fee paid per passenger pickup has reportedly risen from ₦500 to ₦1,500, representing a 200 percent increase.

Adepegba argued that the hike comes at a difficult time for businesses and commuters, noting that transport operators have maintained largely unchanged fares over the past three years despite economic pressures.

He warned that the increased charges could inevitably lead to higher transportation costs for passengers using airport taxi services.

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The NUPCO president also criticized efforts to migrate airport transport services to an app-based operational system, claiming the proposal was introduced without adequate consultation with stakeholders.

According to him, NUPCO’s mandate covers conventional airport car-hire services, hotels, and shopping centres, making it distinct from app-based transportation platforms.

He maintained that forcing members into a digital ride-hailing framework would effectively alter the union’s operational structure and could undermine its legal jurisdiction within airport environments.

Adepegba further alleged that members have faced continuous pressure to embrace the proposed system despite their objections.

Another contentious issue raised by the operators concerns a directive requiring all airport taxi operators to use vehicles manufactured from 2012 upward beginning July 1, 2026.

The union argued that the requirement would impose significant financial burdens on operators already struggling with declining patronage and economic challenges.

According to Adepegba, many members may be unable to afford newer vehicles under current market conditions, describing the policy as unrealistic and potentially damaging to livelihoods.

He also accused FAAN of planning to drastically reduce the number of transport companies currently operating within airport premises, a move he claimed could eliminate up to 90 percent of existing operators.

The union leader alleged that such a measure would create opportunities for new entrants while displacing long-established businesses.

The operators insist that the combined impact of increased tariffs, mandatory vehicle upgrades, and the proposed digital migration could threaten the survival of many airport transport businesses.

They have therefore issued a nine-day ultimatum to the airport authority, demanding a review of the policies and meaningful engagement with stakeholders.

If no resolution is reached within the stipulated period, the operators say they may shut down services at both Lagos and Abuja airports, a development that could affect thousands of travellers who rely on airport transportation daily.

As of the time of filing this report, FAAN had not issued an official response to the allegations and concerns raised by the cab operators.