President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate suspension of the controversial cashless payment policy recently introduced by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), following widespread complaints and severe traffic disruptions at major airports across the country.
The directive came barely four days after the policy was rolled out nationwide, triggering massive gridlock and operational challenges at key aviation facilities. Akahi News gathered that the development has sparked intense public debate about the readiness of Nigeria’s airport infrastructure for full digital payment enforcement.
Cashless Policy Rollout Sparks Chaos at Airports
The cashless policy, launched on March 1, required motorists and airport users to make payments digitally through the ‘Go Cashless’ card system or through Point of Sale (POS) terminals for services such as airport gate access, parking, and lounge entry.
However, the rollout quickly led to significant disruptions at several major airports.
According to reports monitored by Akahi News, travellers and motorists experienced long queues and delays at entry points, particularly at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The situation reportedly resulted in extended traffic gridlock, stranded passengers, and numerous missed flights, as airport users struggled to adapt to the sudden shift to mandatory digital payment systems.
Observers noted that the infrastructure required to support such a policy appeared insufficient, leading to congestion at payment points and slowing down vehicle movement within airport premises.
Tinubu Intervenes After Public Outcry
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed the suspension while briefing journalists after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Tinubu.
Akahi News learnt that the President directed the aviation ministry and the leadership of FAAN to halt the policy’s implementation immediately.
According to the minister, the President instructed relevant authorities to “go back to the drawing board” and conduct a comprehensive review before any further attempt to implement such a system.
Government sources indicated that the President emphasised the need for reforms that improve transparency in revenue collection without creating hardship or inconvenience for passengers and motorists.
Balancing Technology With Passenger Convenience
Analysts say the incident highlights the broader challenge facing Nigeria’s public institutions as they attempt to digitise services without fully preparing the supporting infrastructure.
While the objective of the cashless policy was reportedly to improve accountability and reduce revenue leakages within airport operations, many travellers argued that the sudden enforcement lacked adequate preparation and public sensitisation.
Akahi News gathered that several passengers and airport workers had earlier expressed frustration over malfunctioning POS machines, slow network connectivity, and the limited availability of the newly introduced payment cards.
Industry observers believe that although digital payment systems remain an important step toward modernising airport operations, such reforms must be implemented gradually and supported by reliable technology.
Experts in the aviation sector also stress that any new system must prioritise passenger experience, particularly at busy airports where traffic flow is already a major challenge.
Possible Policy Review Ahead
Following the President’s directive, aviation authorities are expected to reassess the framework of the cashless initiative and develop a more practical model for implementation.
According to officials familiar with the matter, the review will aim to strike a balance between improving financial transparency within airport management and ensuring smooth access for travellers and airport users.
For now, the suspension offers immediate relief to motorists and passengers who had struggled with the system in recent days.
As discussions continue on how best to modernise airport payment systems, stakeholders say the government’s next steps will determine whether digital reforms can be implemented without disrupting Nigeria’s already strained transport infrastructure.
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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