The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) says it is considering extending the deadline for airport taxi operators to replace vehicles manufactured before 2012, amid growing pushback from transport unions.
FAAN said the July 1, 2026, compliance date may now be shifted to October 2026 as a final extension, following consultations with stakeholders.
The development comes after members of the Nigeria Union of Private Cab Operators (NUPCO) threatened to shut down operations at major airports, including Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, over what they described as unfavourable policy decisions.
The disputed directives include FAAN’s requirement that airport cab operators phase out older vehicles and a proposed increase in operational tariffs from ₦500 to ₦1,500.
In a statement, FAAN said the vehicle upgrade policy was designed to improve safety, reliability, comfort and passenger experience across airports.
The agency noted that consultations with operators began as far back as July 2024, with initial compliance deadlines set for January 2026 before being extended to June 2026 following industry concerns.
FAAN said the proposed further extension to October 2026 is part of efforts to accommodate operators and ensure a smoother transition to the new standards.
It urged stakeholders to comply with the policy, stressing that the reforms are intended to modernise airport transport services and improve overall service delivery.
FAAN considers October 2026 extension for airport taxi vehicle upgrade deadline
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) says it is considering extending the deadline for airport taxi operators to replace vehicles manufactured before 2012, amid growing pushback from transport unions.
FAAN said the July 1, 2026, compliance date may now be shifted to October 2026 as a final extension, following consultations with stakeholders.
The development comes after members of the Nigeria Union of Private Cab Operators (NUPCO) threatened to shut down operations at major airports, including Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, over what they described as unfavourable policy decisions.
The disputed directives include FAAN’s requirement that airport cab operators phase out older vehicles and a proposed increase in operational tariffs from ₦500 to ₦1,500.
In a statement, FAAN said the vehicle upgrade policy was designed to improve safety, reliability, comfort and passenger experience across airports.
The agency noted that consultations with operators began as far back as July 2024, with initial compliance deadlines set for January 2026 before being extended to June 2026 following industry concerns.
FAAN said the proposed further extension to October 2026 is part of efforts to accommodate operators and ensure a smoother transition to the new standards.
It urged stakeholders to comply with the policy, stressing that the reforms are intended to modernise airport transport services and improve overall service delivery.
