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If you have ever landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos after a long flight, exhausted and just wanting to get home, you already know the struggle. Now imagine stepping out of the arrival hall, reaching for your phone to order an Uber or Bolt — only to discover the option is completely gone. That is exactly the nightmare one tourist found himself living, and the price he was charged will make your jaw drop.
The Ban That Changed Everything
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) recently rolled out a new policy that temporarily suspended e-hailing cab services — including popular platforms like Uber and Bolt — from operating at both Lagos and Abuja airports. For many Nigerians and visitors alike, these apps had become a lifeline; a way to avoid the notorious “airport boys” who have long been famous for quoting outrageous fares to unsuspecting travellers.
With that safety net suddenly pulled away, passengers were left with little choice but to negotiate with traditional taxi operators at the airports — and as Nigerians say, “that is where the wahala started.”
“How Much?!” — The Tourist’s Shocking Experience
A tourist identified as Chris shared a video online recounting his experience after landing at Lagos airport. According to him, with no Uber or Bolt available, he had no option but to approach the airport taxi operators. The fare he was quoted? Absolutely outrageous — the kind of price that would make even a Lagos big boy blink twice.
His video quickly went viral, resonating with countless Nigerians who have faced similar experiences or feared they soon would. The comments section was flooded with reactions ranging from outrage to dark humour — because when it comes to suffering in this country, Nigerians have mastered the art of laughing through the pain.
Why E-Hailing Apps Were a Game-Changer
Before apps like Uber and Bolt arrived on the scene, navigating airport transportation in Nigeria was essentially a sport. You either had someone picking you up, or you were entering into intense price negotiations the moment you stepped outside — often while tired, hungry, and carrying heavy luggage.
E-hailing platforms changed that. Fixed, transparent pricing. No haggling. No drama. For tourists especially, it was a godsend — a way to experience Lagos or Abuja without immediately feeling exploited.
The ban, therefore, did not just cause inconvenience. It removed a layer of protection that ordinary travellers had come to rely on.
FAAN’s Side of the Story
While FAAN has not fully disclosed all the reasons behind the policy, the move appears to be part of a broader effort to regulate commercial activities within airport premises. Authorities have cited concerns around security, revenue, and the need to formalise transportation services at the airports.
However, critics argue that the policy, however well-intentioned, was poorly timed and left passengers completely exposed — especially tourists and first-time visitors who are unfamiliar with local bargaining tactics.
The Bigger Conversation
This incident raises important questions about passenger welfare and the direction of aviation policy in Nigeria. As the country works to position itself as a destination for business and tourism, experiences like Chris’s send entirely the wrong message to the world.
Transportation chaos at the airport is often the first impression a visitor gets of Nigeria. And as they say — you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
Nigerians on social media have been loud and clear: any policy that removes affordable, transparent transportation options from airports needs to be urgently reviewed. The traveller must be protected.
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Have you experienced outrageous airport taxi fares in Nigeria? Drop your story in the comments — let’s talk about it.
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