Tinubu Suspends FAAN Cashless Policy
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate suspension of the cashless payment system
recently introduced at Nigerian airports by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), following
widespread complaints of gridlock and passenger delays.
The directive was announced on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace
Development, Festus Keyamo, after the Federal Executive Council meeting held in Abuja.
According to Keyamo, the president intervened after the new system led to severe traffic congestion at
major airports, particularly in Lagos and Abuja, causing many passengers to miss their flights.
The cashless policy, which took effect on March 1, 2026, required motorists and airport users to make
payments electronically, using prepaid “Go Cashless” cards or digital platforms, at toll gates, parking
areas, and other access points within airport facilities.
However, within days of its rollout, the system triggered long queues and operational disruptions, as
many users struggled to adapt to the new payment method, leading to significant delays at entry points.
Keyamo explained that the president’s decision was driven by concern for Nigerians affected by the
situation. He quoted Tinubu as directing authorities to “go back to the drawing board” and restore the
previous system temporarily while improvements are made.
As part of interim measures, the government has approved a hybrid system that allows both cash
payments and the continued use of existing FAAN-issued cards, pending the development of a more
efficient electronic payment framework.
The minister added that the Federal Government would engage private sector participants to design a
more seamless and user-friendly system capable of eliminating cash transactions without causing
congestion. The suspension underscores the challenges of implementing rapid digital reforms in critical
infrastructure and highlights the administration’s willingness to reverse policies that negatively impact
public convenience.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
