Tinubu Suspends FAAN Cashless Payment System After Gridlock at Lagos, Abuja Airports
President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate suspension of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria's newly introduced cashless payment system at airport toll gates. This decision follows severe traffic congestion at major airports across the country, including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, which reportedly caused passengers to miss their flights.
Policy Rollout and Immediate Fallout
The cashless policy, which was rolled out on March 1, 2026, required motorists to make payments using Go Cashless cards or point-of-sale machines instead of cash. Designed to improve revenue collection and reduce corruption associated with manual cash transactions, the system aimed to modernize over five decades of cash-based payments at airport gates. However, within days of implementation, it led to long queues, stranded passengers, and significant disruptions to airport access.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo announced the suspension while briefing State House correspondents after a Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Tinubu. Keyamo explained that the president expressed concern about the impact on travelers and ordered a return to the previous payment system temporarily while improvements are made.
Temporary Hybrid System and Future Plans
In response to the crisis, the government will adopt a temporary hybrid payment approach. Under this arrangement, motorists will be allowed to use cash for toll payments, while those who already possess FAAN-issued cards can continue to use them. This interim measure aims to alleviate congestion while authorities work on refining the digital payment process.
Keyamo also disclosed plans to involve private sector operators in managing the toll gate payment system. Private firms may be engaged to operate electronic payment platforms and collect revenue on behalf of the government, potentially receiving commissions for their services. This collaboration is expected to help develop a more efficient and reliable system that minimizes disruptions.
Broader Aviation Developments
During the same briefing, Keyamo confirmed that the Federal Executive Council approved adjustments to the long-planned second runway project at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The project, which has faced delays due to issues such as foreign exchange volatility and increased land compensation costs, will now proceed with revised scoping.
The updated project includes the construction of the runway, taxiways, perimeter fencing, internal roads, and supporting infrastructure. Additionally, approvals cover the procurement and installation of airfield lighting systems, navigational equipment, communication facilities, meteorological instruments, power supply infrastructure, operational vehicles, and spare parts.
Impact on Passengers and Next Steps
The suspension of the cashless system comes as a relief to air travelers who have endured heavy traffic around airport entrances in recent days. FAAN has been instructed to review the system and develop a more efficient electronic payment structure that ensures smoother airport access without compromising revenue goals.
As authorities work on redesigning the policy, the focus remains on balancing technological advancement with practical implementation to prevent future gridlocks and ensure a seamless travel experience for all passengers.
