By Abuja, Nigeria
President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate suspension of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s (FAAN) cashless payment policy, four days after it was introduced nationwide.
The directive followed widespread disruption at major airports, including Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where the rollout triggered heavy traffic congestion.
Long queues were reported at access gates, with some passengers missing their flights due to delays. FAAN had launched the policy on March 1, mandating electronic payments for airport access gates, parking facilities and lounges as part of efforts to enhance transparency and improve revenue collection.
Briefing journalists after the Federal Executive Council meeting, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the President ordered the policy to be halted and reviewed in light of the operational challenges experienced during its initial implementation.
According to Keyamo, the ministry and FAAN will temporarily revert to a hybrid arrangement that permits both cash payments and the continued use of prepaid FAAN cards already issued.
He added that although the President remains committed to achieving a fully electronic revenue collection system, he has instructed that the review be concluded swiftly to restore order and efficiency at airport entry points.
