Tinubu Orders Aviation Minister Keyamo To Suspend FAAN’s Cashless Airport Policy After Nationwide Gridlock
Tinubu Orders Aviation Minister Keyamo To Suspend FAAN’s Cashless Airport Policy After Nationwide Gridlock
The directive came barely four days after the policy took effect, triggering massive gridlock at airport gates in Lagos, Abuja and other key hubs, with passengers stranded and several reportedly missing their flights.
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate suspension of the controversial cashless payment policy introduced by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), following widespread traffic congestion and public outrage at major airports across the country.
The directive came barely four days after the policy took effect, triggering massive gridlock at airport gates in Lagos, Abuja and other key hubs, with passengers stranded and several reportedly missing their flights.
The policy, which officially commenced on March 1, 2026, banned cash payments at all FAAN-controlled points including toll gates, car parks and executive lounges, under what the agency described as “Operation Go Cashless.”
Ironically, just hours before the suspension order, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo had defended the initiative in a post on X, insisting the Federal Government was determined to eliminate cash collections at airport gates.
“By the end of this week, I, along with my team, will be reviewing the first one week of our going cashless at all our payment points at airports across the country in order to eliminate corruption and optimise revenue,” Keyamo wrote.
“We will surely improve the efficiency of the new system as time progresses by developing new ideas, but this government is determined to end the practice of collecting cash at our gates. Kindly bear with us, please.”
FAAN had earlier unveiled four digital payment channels for motorists accessing airport gates nationwide.
In a statement posted on its X handle, the authority announced, ‘Payment Channels At FAAN Access Gate,’ adding, “To ensure smooth and efficient access, the following payment options are available: FAAN Go Cashless Card – The fastest and most seamless payment option, E-Tag – Ideal for frequent users; enables automatic deduction without stopping, VIP Sticker – For authorised vehicles with approved access and ATM/Debit Card via POS – Available on-site; however, processing time may vary due to banking network issues.”
According to FAAN, users could obtain the Go Cashless card at commercial offices and access gates, or register online through its dedicated portal.
The initiative, launched in partnership with Paystack and first announced in September 2025, was piloted at major airports including Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
FAAN claimed the system would make transactions “faster, safer, and more convenient,” projecting a potential 75% increase in revenue through improved transparency and reduced cash handling.
However, the reality on the ground painted a different picture.
On the first day of implementation, chaos erupted at Lagos and Abuja airports as motorists without prepaid cards struggled to gain entry.
POS terminals reportedly slowed down due to banking network issues, creating long queues and vehicular gridlock stretching far beyond airport premises.
