The Federal Government has directed the introduction of a hybrid payment system at airport access gates nationwide, allowing both cash and electronic payments as part of efforts to ease traffic congestion.
The directive followed a meeting between the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN, alongside senior ministry officials, to review challenges experienced during the earlier implementation of a fully cashless gate payment system.
The move comes after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the suspension of the full cashless payment system at airport access gates following complaints that it had caused traffic gridlock.
According to a statement issued in Abuja by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the government has resolved to gradually transition to a fully automated payment system at airport access points.
As part of the interim measures, the ministry announced that a hybrid payment system allowing both cash and card payments will take effect at all airport access gates from March 13 2026. Motorists who already possess FAAN Go Cashless Cards can continue using them until further notice.
Other electronic payment channels including Point-of-Sale terminals and approved digital platforms will remain available. The ministry encouraged the public and road users to obtain and use the FAAN Go Cashless Card as the authority continues to enhance and optimise the cashless payment system.
The directive restores the previous payment arrangement at airport access gates while the ministry works toward introducing a fully automated electronic system in the future, aiming to improve efficiency, reduce congestion, and enhance the travel experience for all airport users.
Leave a comment