FAAN fires back: “We didn’t drive Uber out of Nigeria”

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has reacted to the news of Uber’s exit from Nigeria, clarifying that it has nothing to do with airport protocols.

Mr. Henry Agbebire, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, while speaking during an interview, explained that false narratives about Uber’s exit being linked to the airport should be addressed and challenged.

He said Uber has expressly stated that its decision followed a review of its “evolving business priorities and investment focus across Africa.”

“More significantly, the company has clarified that its exit is not related to the recent FAAN directive concerning e-hailing operations at Nigerian airports. That should settle the central question. FAAN did not drive Uber out of Nigeria. Uber says so. But there is a bigger story Nigerians should consider. This did not begin with FAAN. Uber’s challenges in Nigeria did not suddenly emerge at the airport. Investigations reveal that for years, the company and the broader ride-hailing industry have faced questions around regulation, driver welfare, data sharing, passenger protection, accountability and operational control,” he stated.

Agbebire also noted that Nigerians should be asking a more important question pertaining to how Why did Uber decide that Nigeria no longer fits its investment priorities?, rather than claiming FAAN chased Uber away.

”Perhaps we should stop asking, “Why did FAAN chase Uber away?” The more appropriate question is: “Why did Uber decide that Nigeria no longer fits its investment priorities?” Uber has answered that question. It reviewed its business priorities. It reviewed its investment focus. It made a corporate decision to leave Nigeria and Uganda while maintaining operations and investment elsewhere in Africa. That decision belongs to Uber,” he added.