(DDM) – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate suspension of the newly introduced cashless payment system at Nigerian airports following widespread complaints of traffic congestion and missed flights.
The directive was announced after a meeting of the Federal Executive Council in Abuja.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the President intervened after reports showed that the electronic-only toll payment system had triggered severe gridlock at major airport entry points.
The cashless system had been introduced by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, commonly known as FAAN.
It was designed to eliminate cash handling at airport toll gates and parking points, a practice that had reportedly lasted for more than five decades.
Officials argued that replacing cash payments with electronic transactions would curb leakages, block corruption and improve revenue collection for the Federal Government.
However, within days of implementation, the system reportedly caused long queues, particularly at airport access roads in Lagos and Abuja.
Motorists complained of delays, malfunctioning payment channels and confusion over how to complete transactions.
Some travellers reportedly missed scheduled flights due to the congestion.
Keyamo said President Tinubu was concerned about the hardship being experienced by Nigerians.
He described the suspension as a decision driven by empathy and urgency.
According to the minister, the President directed that the system be halted immediately while improvements are made.
The government will temporarily revert to the previous payment structure.
A hybrid arrangement will also be introduced.
Motorists who had already purchased FAAN prepaid cards will be allowed to use them.
At the same time, cash payments will be temporarily accepted to ease pressure at toll gates.
Keyamo emphasized that the suspension does not signal a permanent return to cash transactions.
He said the administration remains committed to a fully electronic revenue collection system.
However, he noted that efficiency and convenience must be guaranteed before reintroducing the policy.
The government plans to engage private sector partners to develop a more seamless electronic payment platform.
Authorities may allow private operators to manage the system and collect revenue on behalf of the government, even if it involves paying commissions.
Analysts say the episode highlights the challenges of digital transitions in Nigeria’s public infrastructure.
While electronic systems promise transparency, inadequate planning or weak technical capacity can disrupt essential services.
Beyond the tollgate controversy, the council also approved the revival of the long-delayed second runway project at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The Abuja Second Runway project had stalled under the previous administration due to cost variations linked to foreign exchange volatility.
Keyamo explained that four major components have now been re-awarded.
These include construction of the runway, taxiways and connecting links.
Other approved elements cover perimeter fencing with security gates, internal airport roads and dedicated crash roads for emergency services.
The project will also include installation of critical aviation infrastructure.
This involves airfield lighting systems, navigational aids, communication equipment and meteorological facilities.
A dedicated power station and switchyard will be built to ensure stable electricity supply for the runway.
Nigeria’s aviation sector has struggled with infrastructure gaps, funding constraints and safety concerns in recent years.
The cashless tollgate controversy and runway revival illustrate the administration’s balancing act between modernization and operational efficiency.
For now, airport users are expected to see temporary relief from congestion as manual payments resume.
Whether the redesigned electronic system can deliver transparency without disruption will determine the long-term success of the reform.
