KEY POINTS

• Tinubu suspended the airport cashless payment system after gridlock at Lagos and Abuja airports caused travellers to miss flights.
• Government will temporarily allow cash payments while introducing a hybrid system that also accepts FAAN prepaid cards.
• Federal Executive Council approved continuation of the Abuja Second Runway project after years of delays.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate suspension of the newly introduced cashless payment system at Nigerian airports after the policy triggered massive traffic congestion and forced many travellers to miss flights.

The directive came less than a week after the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria introduced the electronic payment system at airport toll points and parking areas as part of efforts to curb corruption and improve government revenue collection.

Officials said the rollout created severe bottlenecks along access roads to major airports, particularly in Lagos and Abuja, prompting widespread complaints from motorists and airline passengers.

Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, disclosed the president’s decision on Wednesday while briefing journalists after the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja.

Policy Introduced to Curb Corruption

Keyamo said the electronic payment system was designed to replace decades of cash transactions at airport toll gates and parking facilities.

The long standing cash collection system, according to the minister, had been in place for more than 50 years and was often criticised for creating opportunities for revenue leakages.

Government officials believed moving to a fully digital payment structure would strengthen accountability and increase federal earnings from airport operations.

The policy required motorists to make payments electronically, including through FAAN prepaid cards and other digital platforms.

The rollout quickly ran into operational difficulties.

Motorists attempting to access airports in Lagos and Abuja reported long queues that stretched far beyond the entry gates. Travellers heading to catch flights complained that the delays were forcing them to abandon trips or arrive late for departures.

The minister said the president became concerned after reports emerged that the congestion was disrupting airport operations and creating hardship for passengers.