The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, has ordered all airport taxi and cab operators nationwide to phase out old vehicles and upgrade to newer models. The deadline: October 2026. After that, rickety cabs will be barred from airport premises.
FAAN said the directive covers all commercial vehicles operating at airports across Nigeria — from Lagos MMA2 to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Enugu.
Key points from the directive:
1. Vehicle age limit: Only vehicles within a specified model year will be approved. Exact year bands will be released by FAAN’s Airport Management, but the push is for “roadworthy, modern, and passenger-friendly” cars.
2.2. Safety + comfort: Upgrades must meet minimum standards for AC, seat belts, clean interiors, and functional doors/windows.
3. Registration renewal: Existing operators must revalidate with FAAN and present proof of upgraded fleets before the October 2026 cutoff.
4. Enforcement: From November 2026, FAAN enforcement teams will begin strict compliance checks. Non-compliant vehicles will lose airport access permits.
FAAN says the move targets 3 things: passenger safety, Nigeria’s airport image, and alignment with global aviation standards.
For years, travelers have complained about aging cabs with no AC, torn seats, and poor maintenance at airport exits. FAAN insists “the first and last mile experience matters” for Nigeria’s aviation reputation.
An airport management source added: “We’re not chasing operators out. We’re raising the bar. Passengers deserve dignified transport from our airports.”
Impact on operators
1. Cost pressure: Cab unions say upgrading fleets will strain small operators who run on tight margins. Many bought older Toyota Camrys, Corollas, and Hiace buses because they’re cheaper to maintain.
2. Financing talks: Some associations are already pushing FAAN and banks for vehicle financing or lease-to-own deals to ease the transition.
3. Consolidation likely: Industry watchers expect smaller cab groups to merge or partner with ride-hailing companies to meet the capital requirement.
FAAN will issue detailed guidelines in the coming weeks with the exact vehicle model years, inspection process, and permit fees. Sensitization meetings with airport cab unions are scheduled to start before Q4 2026.
October 2026 gives operators about 16 months to comply. FAAN says that’s enough time to plan, source vehicles, and avoid “last-minute chaos”.
The days of sputtering, no-AC cabs at airport gates are numbered. FAAN is betting that newer fleets will boost traveler confidence and cut complaints. For cab operators, it’s an expensive upgrade. For passengers flying into Nigeria, it could mean safer, cleaner rides from the tarmac to the city.
