President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to immediately suspend its newly introduced cashless payment system at airports across the country following widespread traffic congestion and passenger disruption.
Gatekeepers News reports that the announcement was made by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by the president. Tinubu ordered a temporary halt to the policy just four days after its rollout, citing the severe hardship it caused travelers.
The cashless initiative, which began on March 1, replaced decades-long cash collection at airport toll gates with mandatory electronic payments through “Go Cashless” cards and point-of-sale (POS) terminals. The policy covered payments for access gates, parking, and certain airport facilities and was introduced to curb leakages, eliminate corruption, and improve federal revenue generation.
However, its implementation led to chaos at major airports, particularly Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, where motorists were stranded in long queues. Many passengers reportedly missed scheduled flights due to the delays caused by payment processing challenges and system bottlenecks.
Keyamo said the president expressed concern over the health, welfare, and financial losses suffered by Nigerians as a result of the congestion. He stated that Tinubu instructed FAAN and the aviation ministry to “go back to the drawing board” and design a more efficient and passenger-friendly system that maintains transparency without disrupting airport operations.
Following the directive, FAAN has reverted temporarily to the previous system while adopting a hybrid approach. According to the minister, cash payments will resume alongside the use of already-issued FAAN electronic cards to ease pressure at entry points. He added that the ministry will engage private sector operators to manage an improved electronic tolling structure that can function smoothly without causing gridlock.
Keyamo clarified that the suspension does not signal a return to the old system permanently but is a short-term measure aimed at reducing suffering. He noted that the president remains committed to eliminating revenue leakages in the aviation sector but prioritised immediate relief for travelers affected by the disruption.
The aviation ministry is expected to submit a revised framework to the president after consultations with stakeholders and private sector partners, with a focus on deploying a more seamless digital collection system nationwide.
