Nigerian Ministry of Aviation restores hybrid airport payment system to ease traffic in Lagos and Abuja airports

Following nationwide frustration over the newly implemented cashless Access Gate system at Nigerian airports, the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has announced a major policy adjustment.

The full cashless system, initially launched to modernize airport payments, was suspended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, after commuters faced severe traffic gridlocks.

Ministry Engages in Strategic Review

Earlier this week, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development met with senior officials from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and ministry staff to assess the operational difficulties caused by the cashless rollout.

After reviewing feedback and real-world challenges, the ministry reached a consensus on the next steps for airport payment systems.

Hybrid Payment System to Resume

Effective Friday, March 13, 2026, all airport access gates will adopt a hybrid payment model, accommodating both cash and card payments.

• Motorists who already own the FAAN Go Cashless Card may continue using it.

• Other electronic payment options, including POS terminals and approved digital channels, will remain operational.

The move restores elements of the previous payment arrangement while preparing for a fully automated system in the near future.

Plans for a Fully Automated System

The ministry emphasized that the hybrid system is temporary.

They are engaging concessionaires to develop a fully automated electronic system that will eventually eliminate cash payments entirely at all airport access points.

The goal is to streamline transactions, reduce queues, and modernize airport operations without causing congestion on surrounding roads.

Public Guidance

Commuters and road users are encouraged to obtain and use the FAAN Go Cashless Card, which will remain a key component of the cashless strategy.

Authorities stress that the card provides faster entry at airport gates and supports the eventual transition to a fully electronic system.

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Impact and Consequences

The reintroduction of a hybrid payment model carries several implications:

• Immediate relief for motorists, reducing traffic jams caused by the fully cashless system.

• Maintains momentum toward digitization of airport payments, balancing modernization with practicality.

• Signals government responsiveness to public feedback and real-world operational challenges.

• Provides time for concessionaires and FAAN to test and deploy a fully automated solution effectively.

What’s Next

The Ministry of Aviation plans to:

1. Work closely with concessionaires to design and implement a fully automated payment system.

2. Continue public outreach to ensure commuters are informed about available payment options.

3. Monitor traffic patterns and operational efficiency at airport access points to refine the system before full automation.

4. Encourage wider adoption of the FAAN Go Cashless Card for smoother future operations.

Summary

Nigeria’s airport payment system has pivoted from a fully cashless model to a hybrid arrangement, allowing both cash and electronic transactions.

The decision follows widespread traffic disruptions caused by the initial rollout and comes as part of a broader plan to eventually introduce a fully automated electronic system at all airport access gates.

The Ministry of Aviation is balancing modernization, public convenience, and operational efficiency as it moves forward.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Full cashless Access Gate system suspended after causing traffic gridlock.

• Hybrid payment system resumes March 13, 2026, accommodating cash and card.

• FAAN Go Cashless Card remains valid and encouraged for use.

• Other electronic channels, including POS terminals, will stay available.

• Ministry to work with concessionaires to develop fully automated electronic system.

• Move aims to reduce congestion, streamline payments, and modernize airports.

• Public urged to adopt digital payments while transition continues.