(DDM) – The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has insisted that the controversial cashless payment policy at Nigerian airports will remain in force despite confusion and complaints that followed its recent rollout.
DDM gathered that the directive triggered widespread frustration among passengers and airport users, particularly at airport entry gates where travellers struggled with electronic payment systems.
FAAN Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku, addressed journalists on Thursday, defending the policy while acknowledging that improvements are necessary.
She explained that the policy forms part of a broader government strategy to modernise Nigeria’s aviation sector and strengthen transparency in revenue collection.
Kuku stated that the directive was issued following guidance from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development after discussions at the Federal Executive Council.
According to her, the government has not suspended the policy despite reports suggesting otherwise.
Instead, she clarified that authorities have been instructed to improve the operational process before fully implementing the system across airports.
The FAAN chief emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had asked the aviation ministry to refine the payment structure to make it more efficient for travellers.
She said the goal is to ensure that the transition to cashless transactions does not disrupt airport operations or inconvenience passengers.
The announcement followed days of confusion at major airports where travellers reportedly faced delays and congestion while trying to make electronic payments.
Some passengers complained that poor internet connectivity and limited payment channels made the process difficult.
Others argued that the sudden enforcement of the system created unnecessary chaos at airport entrances.
Despite the backlash, FAAN maintained that the policy represents a critical reform aimed at improving accountability within airport operations.
Kuku noted that the cashless initiative was not an abrupt decision by government authorities.
She revealed that preparations for the transition began several months ago.
According to her, the agency launched public awareness campaigns last year to educate travellers and airport workers about the move from physical cash to electronic payments.
The campaign included information sessions, notices within airport terminals, and engagement with aviation stakeholders.
FAAN believes that adopting digital payments will help eliminate leakages associated with manual cash collection systems.
The authority also argues that electronic payments will improve transparency in revenue management across Nigerian airports.
Airport officials say the new system is expected to simplify transactions and reduce the risk of corruption within aviation operations.
However, critics argue that Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges make the policy difficult to implement smoothly.
Many travellers pointed to unreliable internet services and limited access to digital payment tools as major obstacles.
Aviation analysts say these concerns highlight broader issues surrounding Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
They warn that introducing cashless systems without reliable technological support can disrupt critical services such as airport operations.
The debate also reflects a wider national push toward cashless transactions in Nigeria’s economy.
Over the past decade, the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria have promoted digital payments as part of financial sector reforms.
The policy gained prominence during the Central Bank’s cashless initiative aimed at reducing dependence on physical currency.
Supporters of the reform argue that digital transactions enhance financial transparency and reduce crime linked to cash handling.
They also believe that cashless payments improve efficiency and align Nigeria with global financial trends.
Opponents, however, caution that millions of Nigerians still rely heavily on cash for everyday transactions.
They argue that forcing digital payment systems too quickly can exclude vulnerable citizens and create operational challenges.
The situation at Nigerian airports highlights the delicate balance between technological reform and practical implementation.
For now, FAAN insists that the cashless policy remains a key government directive.
Authorities say improvements will be introduced to ensure smoother operations and better user experience.
Passengers and aviation stakeholders will therefore continue to adapt to the evolving payment system as Nigeria’s aviation industry pushes toward a more digital future.
