FAAN Removes Abuja Airport Firm Over Alleged Illegal Vehicle Clamping

 The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has ordered the immediate removal of a transport company accused of illegally clamping vehicles and collecting N25,000 penalties from motorists at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

The decision followed a complaint over the enforcement of the airport’s parking and pick-up restrictions. The complaint alleged that motorists who stopped briefly in restricted areas had their vehicles clamped and were directed to pay a N25,000 penalty before their vehicles could be released.

FAAN Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said the complaint was escalated to the agency’s Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku, who ordered the immediate ejection of the company from the airport.

According to the complaint, some motorists were allegedly directed to make payments through point-of-sale operators or accounts associated with fintech platforms rather than through an official payment channel. Some of the accounts reportedly carried individual names.

The complaint also alleged that motorists who paid through designated channels could experience delays before their vehicles were released, while payments made through other channels were allegedly processed more quickly.

FAAN said the company involved did not have a current agreement authorising it to operate in the manner complained of and had previously been warned against such practices. The authority therefore moved to remove the company from the airport.

Achimugu said the decision reflected FAAN’s position that it would take action whenever there was evidence of illegal activity, particularly conduct that inconveniences airport users.

FAAN is also considering engaging another company to handle relevant parking and traffic-enforcement responsibilities at the airport.

The authority has meanwhile advised motorists and airport users to comply with designated parking and pick-up rules to avoid having their vehicles clamped.

The incident has renewed attention on the enforcement of parking regulations at Nigerian airports and the need for transparent payment procedures that protect motorists from unauthorized charges.