President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria to suspend its newly introduced cashless payment system at airports across the country following widespread traffic congestion and passenger complaints.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed the president’s directive while briefing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council meeting held on Wednesday.
The cashless initiative, which took effect on March 1, required airport users to make payments electronically through designated ‘Go Cashless’ cards or point-of-sale terminals at access gates, car parks, and lounges. The system was introduced to curb revenue leakages and enhance transparency, replacing decades of cash-based collections.
However, shortly after its rollout, the policy triggered heavy traffic at major airports, including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Motorists reportedly endured long queues at entry points, with several passengers missing scheduled flights.
Speaking on the development, Keyamo said the president intervened after receiving reports of the operational challenges.
“In the aviation sector, one of the critical issues discussed today was the implementation of the new cashless system at airport toll gates nationwide,” the minister said.
“Although the objective was to eliminate corruption and improve government revenue, the initial rollout created significant gridlock.”
He added that the president expressed concern over the hardship experienced by travelers.
“Mr President was particularly worried about the inconvenience to Nigerians, especially those who lost or almost missed their flights. Out of empathy and in consideration of public welfare, he directed that the system be suspended immediately,” Keyamo stated.
According to the minister, Tinubu instructed the aviation authorities to review the framework and develop a more efficient and passenger-friendly approach.
“The president asked us to return to the drawing board and come up with a solution that achieves transparency and accountability without disrupting airport operations,” he said.
The suspension comes barely four days after the policy’s implementation, as stakeholders continue to call for improved planning and infrastructure to support digital payment systems in critical public facilities.
