President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate suspension of the controversial cashless policy introduced by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The decision came just four days after the policy was rolled out across major airports in the country. The new system caused heavy traffic at airport gates, leaving many passengers stranded and forcing others to miss their flights.
The cashless policy, which started on March 1, required all airport users to make payments digitally. Motorists and passengers were expected to pay for access gates, parking spaces and lounges using “Go Cashless” cards or Point of Sale (POS) machines. Cash payments were no longer allowed.
However, instead of improving services, the system led to confusion and long queues at airport entrances.
The situation was especially serious at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
At the Lagos airport, vehicles were stuck for hours while drivers struggled to make digital payments. Some passengers got down from their vehicles and trekked long distances with their luggage in order to catch their flights. Many others were not so lucky, as they arrived at the terminal after boarding had closed.
In Abuja, the story was the same. Long lines of cars stretched far outside the airport gates. Airport staff tried to manage the traffic, but the slow payment process made the situation worse.
Some passengers complained that they were not aware of the sudden change. Others said they did not have the required “Go Cashless” cards and were forced to wait to get assistance. Network failures also affected POS transactions, further delaying movement.
Business owners operating inside the airports also raised concerns. They said the poor rollout of the policy affected customer flow and reduced sales. Taxi drivers and ride-hailing operators described the experience as frustrating, saying they spent hours trying to drop off or pick up passengers.
The policy was introduced as part of efforts to improve revenue collection and promote transparency. FAAN had explained that moving to a cashless system would block leakages and ensure that all payments go directly into government accounts. The agency also said it would reduce human contact with cash and modernise airport operations.
However, many Nigerians questioned why such a major change was introduced without enough public awareness and preparation. Some travellers said there should have been a transition period where both cash and digital payments were accepted.
Aviation analysts noted that while cashless systems are common in many countries, they require strong internet service, proper planning and public education. Without these, they warned, the system could disrupt airport activities instead of improving them.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the suspension while briefing State House Correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
According to the minister, President Tinubu directed the aviation ministry and the leadership of FAAN to immediately halt the implementation of the policy.
The President also instructed them to “go back to the drawing board” and come up with a more people-friendly system. He said the new plan must balance the government’s goal of revenue transparency with the comfort and convenience of passengers.
Keyamo said the government remains committed to modernising Nigeria’s airports but admitted that the concerns raised by Nigerians cannot be ignored.
This is not the first time airport users have complained about new policies affecting movement. Over the years, passengers have raised concerns about access fees, parking charges and traffic congestion at major airports, especially in Lagos and Abuja.
The Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos is Nigeria’s busiest airport and handles thousands of local and international passengers daily. Any disruption at its gates often affects flight schedules across the country. The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja also serves as a key hub for government officials, diplomats and business travellers.
Industry stakeholders say airport reforms must be carefully planned because of the large number of people who depend on air travel for business, government work and family needs.
For now, motorists and passengers can return to making cash payments at airport gates and parking areas while the review takes place.
Many travellers have welcomed the President’s decision, saying it shows the government is listening to public complaints. Some have urged FAAN to carry out proper testing and public awareness before reintroducing any new system.
As the aviation ministry works on a revised plan, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how the government balances technology, transparency and the everyday realities faced by airport users.
