Bolt resumes operations at Nigerian airports after dispute

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has cleared the ride-hailing platform Bolt to resume operations at all airports under its management, following an intervention by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. The decision, announced on Thursday, August 27, 2026, resolves a dispute that had disrupted passenger transportation options and sparked widespread criticism over high taxi fares.

The resolution came after days of controversy stemming from FAAN's efforts to establish a new operational framework for commercial vehicles at airports. An internal FAAN memo dated July 30 had directed airport managers to ensure Bolt and Uber ceased commercial operations pending the finalization of license agreements. While FAAN clarified on August 20 that it had not imposed a blanket ban, restrictions at major airports like Lagos and Abuja left many travelers unable to access familiar ehailing services.

The situation intensified as passengers faced significantly higher fares from airport taxi operators. A viral video showed a travel content creator being quoted 30,000 naira for a trip from Lagos airport to Ikeja, a journey he previously made for around 8,000 naira...