President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate suspension of the cashless toll payment system introduced by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) at major airports nationwide.
The policy, which took effect on March 1, 2026, barred motorists from making cash payments at airport toll gates, mandating the use of prepaid access cards or electronic payment platforms.
However, the rollout was marred by confusion, heavy gridlock and long delays, leaving passengers and motorists stranded for hours. Several travellers reportedly missed flights, while others experienced delayed pickups as congestion worsened around airport access roads.
Addressing State House correspondents after Wednesday’s meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed the President’s directive to suspend the policy.
According to Keyamo, the President was deeply concerned about the hardship Nigerians faced following the implementation of the cashless system.
He said the President “was worried about the sufferings Nigerians were going through” and had directed the Ministry to return “to the drawing board and restrategize on the policy.”
The minister added that motorists who had already purchased prepaid access cards could continue using them, while cash payments would also be accepted pending a comprehensive review.
He noted that the Ministry and relevant agencies would soon outline a clear way forward after reassessing the policy framework.
The suspension marks a swift federal response to public outcry over the disruption caused by the policy’s initial enforcement.
