Airports Authority Breaks Silence on Ubers Nigeria Exit

(FAAN. Photo Credit: Guardian Nigeria News)

The airports authority has said Uber's departure from Nigeria has nothing to do with a recent dispute between the two organizations.

Henry Agbebire, the airports authority's director for public affairs, said Uber itself has stated the decision was based on reviewing its business priorities in Africa, not because of disagreement with the airports authority.

Agbebire explained that Uber's challenges in Nigeria run much deeper than the recent airport issue.

For years, the ride-hailing company and others in the industry have faced questions about regulation, driver welfare, data sharing, passenger protection and how they operate.

Lagos State's experience with Uber is instructive.

The state government introduced regulations requiring safety measures, driver identification and real-time trip data sharing.

In 2024, Uber reportedly resisted or asked for more time on Lagos' data requirements, while other operators cooperated.

Drivers who work for Uber in Nigeria have long complained about commissions, fares, fuel costs and difficult working conditions.

Their discontent became serious enough to trigger protests and threats of strikes.

Some drivers also take passengers offline instead of using the app, which violates Uber's own rules but shows how badly drivers feel squeezed.

Agbebire also raised questions about Uber's accountability.

The company has maintained a legal distinction between itself and drivers, arguing they are independent contractors.

But if Uber controls the platform, sets the rules, takes payment and monitors trips, should the company bear responsibility when problems occur?

The airports authority's position, Agbebire stressed, is not hostility to innovation.

Airports are controlled security environments with millions of passengers and thousands of vehicles daily.

Any commercial transport operating there must be identifiable and accountable so the airports authority knows who is operating and how to manage incidents.

Agbebire noted that Bolt cooperated with the airports authority on these requirements and was cleared to resume operations.

This shows the objective was never to eliminate ride-hailing but to establish responsible operating conditions.

Rather than asking why the airports authority chased Uber away, Agbebire said the real question is why Uber decided Nigeria no longer fits its investment priorities.

Uber has answered that itself.

The airports authority's job is to ensure safe, secure and accountable airport operations, a responsibility it should not apologize for.