President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate suspension of the newly introduced cashless toll gate system at Nigerian airports.
The policy, implemented by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), caused long queues and severe traffic congestion as drivers, passengers, and other users struggled to comply.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo disclosed the suspension while briefing journalists at the State House, Abuja, after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
Keyamo explained that the cashless system was designed to curb corruption and boost revenue collection for the Federal Government, replacing a decades-old cash payment practice at toll gates, parking lots, and other points.
However, less than a week after rollout, it led to serious gridlock — especially at Lagos and Abuja airports — causing many passengers to miss flights.
“Mr President was very concerned about the welfare of Nigerians and the fact that most Nigerians were losing their flights, missing their flights,” Keyamo said.
“So Mr President, out of empathy, directed today that we should suspend the present system because it creates a lot of gridlock and Nigerians are suffering as a result of it.”
The President instructed the ministry and FAAN to revert temporarily to the previous cash-based arrangement while a more efficient electronic solution is developed.
Keyamo announced a temporary hybrid system allowing both cash payments and use of prepaid FAAN cards already purchased by some motorists.
“For those who have bought FAAN cards before, we can do a hybrid system whereby we can collect cash temporarily and, of course, use the cards that they have collected temporarily for now,” he said.
He added that the government will engage private sector partners to build a seamless electronic platform that eliminates cash without causing delays.
The minister noted that Tinubu remains committed to a fully cashless revenue system at airports but insisted any new arrangement must avoid the current congestion.
“To the extent that it will not create the gridlock that we are having right now,” he emphasised.
Keyamo revealed the government may involve private operators to manage the electronic system — even if it means paying commissions — to ensure efficiency.
He stressed that the suspension is temporary and driven by empathy for travellers, not a permanent return to cash payments.
“The major reason why Mr. President took this decision is to eliminate the present gridlock we are experiencing, especially at the Lagos and Abuja toll gates leading to the airport,” Keyamo said.
The ministry will continue consultations with FAAN and provide updates as work progresses on a better payment solution.
National Patriots Commend Tinubu’s Swift Response on FAAN Cashless Policy at Airport Toll Gates.
The National Patriots have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift and compassionate intervention following public concerns over the abrupt cashless policy introduced by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The prompt suspension of the policy demonstrates a leadership style that listens and responds to the genuine hardships of citizens and visitors alike.
National Patriots noted that responsive governance strengthens public trust and reinforces Nigeria’s image as an investor-friendly nation. By acting quickly, the President has shown that reforms under his administration will remain people-centred, carefully balancing modernization with the welfare, safety, and dignity of Nigerians and international travellers.
Headlinenews.news Special report.
Airport Cashless Policy Sparks Chaos, National Patriots Seek Presidential Intervention.
A sudden cashless payment policy introduced by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) without due notice has caused disruption at major airports, forcing passengers to abandon vehicles and trek long distances to terminals.
At Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, some travellers resorted to commercial motorcycles to avoid missing flights, raising serious security concerns for all especially foreign investors.
There are reports of criminal incidents, loss of property and possible abduction.
Advocacy group National Patriots says the short notice was inadequate and urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu & Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo to suspend the policy.
Aviation bodies like International Air Transport Association advise gradual rollouts, often six months or more, to protect passenger safety and maintain investor confidence.
For full report, details, updates, visit: www.headlinenews.news
