BREAKING: Tinubu Orders Suspension of FAAN’s Airport Cashless Policy After Massive Gridlock Chaos
Comfort Chukwukelue
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate suspension of the controversial cashless airport payment policy introduced by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) after widespread traffic gridlock at major airports nationwide. 
The directive, delivered at the end of Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by Tinubu, was announced by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who told journalists that the President was acting out of concern for the welfare of travellers struggling with the new system. 
The cashless policy branded “Operation Go Cashless” was fully enforced across all FAAN-managed airports from March 1, 2026, banning physical cash at access gates, car parks, executive lounges, and other revenue points. 
It required motorists and passengers to pay using prepaid FAAN cards, e-tags, VIP stickers, or electronic payments via POS. 
On the first days of enforcement, Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport experienced severe vehicle gridlock, long queues, and many travellers missing flights amid confusion over digital payment requirements. 
Keyamo told reporters that the cashless rollout created significant congestion and “Mr President was very concerned about the welfare of Nigerians” as many struggled to reach terminals on time. 
As a result, Tinubu directed:
• Immediate suspension of the strict cashless system. 
• Reversion to a hybrid payment model allowing both cash and electronic payments temporarily while a more efficient system is developed. 
• Engagement with private sector partners to design a more seamless digital payment solution that eliminates cash without causing gridlock. 
The suspension does not signal an end to the cashless reform ambition but represents a pause for redesign after implementation challenges. Government officials said the goal remains to modernise airport revenue collection, improve transparency, and curb corruption,but not at the expense of travel convenience. 
More details on the revised policy framework are expected in the coming days as aviation authorities work to address public concerns and technical issues.
