Airport taxi operators have appealed to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to extend the deadline for compliance with its vehicle upgrade directive, warning that many operators risk being pushed out of business.
The directive requires airport taxi operators to use vehicles manufactured from 2012 onwards as part of efforts to improve passenger safety, comfort and service quality.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, representatives of the operators said the cost of replacing existing vehicles has become increasingly difficult due to economic realities and declining profit margins.
Chairman of the airport cab operators, Prince Amao Sola, said many drivers and small transport companies support the objective of modernising airport transportation but need additional time to meet the requirements.
According to him, acquiring replacement vehicles could cost between ₦15 million and ₦18 million, a figure many operators cannot easily afford.
Another operator, Ekwuemeaku Alex of Edom Comfort Auto Lease Ltd, said revenue generated from airport transport services is often reduced significantly by fuel costs, maintenance expenses and operational charges.
He noted that while a trip may attract a fare of between ₦20,000 and ₦25,000, the final profit after expenses is often minimal.
Aliu Abdulazee Aliu of Gentle Drive also highlighted challenges faced by operators who purchased their current vehicles through hire-purchase arrangements, arguing that replacing them immediately would place additional financial strain on businesses.
The operators revealed that they had explored the possibility of switching to electric vehicles following discussions with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. However, they said the quoted prices, ranging from ₦38 million to ₦60 million, were beyond the reach of most operators.
They therefore urged FAAN to provide a longer transition period that would allow operators to gradually upgrade their fleets while maintaining their businesses and meeting service obligations at airports across the country.
