Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has ruled out any further extensions to its earlier notice to all airport cab operators to upgrade their fleets to newer vehicle models by October, this year or lose access to the facilities.

FAAN stated, in a fresh circular, that this notice is the final deadline for compliance after several extensions had been granted to the operators to effect the upgrade.

FAAN warned that no further extensions would be granted and that operators who fail to upgrade risk losing airport access.

In a statement to that effect released, Monday, FAAN said it was aware of the concerns raised by some members of the union over the new vehicle standards and revised operating charges.

FAAN said operators were first informed of the vehicle upgrade requirement in July 2024 and have since received several extensions.

The agency said the original deadline was shifted to January 2026 after operators requested more time, while another extension pushed the date to June 2026.

“These extensions were approved in recognition of the prevailing economic circumstances and to provide operators with sufficient time to comply with the requirements.

“In further demonstration of goodwill and consideration, FAAN is currently considering a final extension of the compliance deadline until October 2026.

“This additional period is expected to provide adequate opportunity for operators to align with the required standards.

“It must, however, be emphasised that the objective of the policy is not to punish operators or deprive any one of legitimate business opportunities.

“Rather, it is to ensure that airport transportation services meet the quality standards expected by the travelling public,” FAAN stated.

According to the authority, operators have had more than two years to prepare for the changes and indicated that no further extensions are likely after the proposed October 2026 deadline.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with airport cab companies and called on operators to support efforts aimed at improving service delivery across Nigerian airports.

The authority explained that airports are often the first point of contact for visitors entering the country and should therefore maintain high standards of safety, comfort and professionalism.

According to FAAN, the vehicle upgrade policy is intended to ensure that airport taxi services remain safe, reliable and comfortable for passengers.

“Passengers who utilise airport taxi services deserve clean, roadworthy, comfortable, and professionally maintained vehicles that reflect the premium environment expected of a modern international airport,” FAAN said.

Meanwhile, the notice has sparked tension among the cab operators, who have threatened to shut down airport operations across the country on July 1, should FAAN carry out its threat.

The cab operators have also accused FAAN of imposing unfair conditions.

The taxi operators, under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Private Cab Operators (NUPCO), criticised FAAN’s directive banning the use of vehicles manufactured before 2012 starting from July 1, 2026.

In a related development, FAAN has defended its decision to increase airport cab operating charges.

FAAN noted that the previous fee of N500 had remained unchanged for more than eight years despite rising inflation and increasing operating costs.

“The adjustment from N500 to N1,500 should therefore be viewed within the context of prevailing economic realities and the need to sustain critical airport infrastructure and services.

“Even with the review, FAAN remains mindful of the challenges faced by operators and has continued to engage stakeholders constructively,’ it said.

FAAN insisted that the changes are aimed at improving services and ensuring a better experience for passengers.

FAAN rejected cab operators’ claims that it had ignored their concerns in the introduction of the new poliies, insisting that it regularly engages licensed transport service providers through an established stakeholder framework.

The authority explained that its contractual relationship is with registered cab companies rather than unions or associations representing drivers.

As a result, discussions on operational issues are conducted directly with the companies involved.