The initiative, known as the Airport Car Hire Rank Management System (ACHRAMS), is designed to create a more organised, transparent and accountable structure for ground transportation services while addressing years of challenges associated with airport taxi operations.
The move comes as travellers continue to raise concerns over the activities of unauthorised airport transport operators, popularly known as “touts”, who have been accused of aggressive solicitation, arbitrary fare charges, poor service standards and operating without proper identification at some airport locations.
Speaking with BrandIconImage, the Director of Commercial and Business Development at FAAN, Ms Adebola Agunbiade, explained that ACHRAMS was developed to tackle persistent gaps in the airport transport system, including poor coordination, inconsistent service delivery and safety concerns affecting both passengers and operators.
According to her, the platform represents a major step towards modernising airport mobility services by introducing a structured digital process for managing car hire operations.
“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.
“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,” Agunbiade said.
She noted that the project would be implemented through a concession arrangement, with FAAN maintaining its responsibility as the regulator and supervisor of the digital platform.
Agunbiade clarified that ride-hailing companies would not take over the management of the system but would instead operate as participants on the platform, subject to FAAN’s guidelines and operational standards.
“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.
As part of the implementation process, FAAN is also establishing dedicated operational areas at airport terminals, including approved passenger pick-up points, central loading zones and parking facilities for registered ACHRAMS drivers.
She explained that the arrangement would eliminate disorderly vehicle movements around airport terminals and create a more efficient system for passengers seeking transport services.
“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,” she said.
Addressing concerns among existing taxi operators that the new system could threaten their businesses, Agunbiade assured stakeholders that FAAN was adopting a transition approach that prioritises inclusion rather than displacement.
She said both registered commercial operators and informal airport transport providers would be given opportunities to join the new framework, provided they meet the required standards.
“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,” Agunbiade stated.
FAAN said the initiative is expected to reshape airport transportation by improving passenger confidence, strengthening security monitoring and creating a more professional operating environment for car hire providers.
The authority believes that through better regulation, digital tracking and standardised procedures, ACHRAMS will enhance accountability and improve the overall travel experience for airport users nationwide.