President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate suspension of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s (FAAN) cashless payment policy, following widespread disruption at major airports across the country.
The directive comes just four days after the scheme, launched on March 1, was introduced to enforce digital payments through ‘Go Cashless’ cards or POS systems for airport entry gates, parking, and lounges.
The rollout caused severe traffic congestion at facilities including Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, leaving passengers stranded and forcing some to miss flights.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, disclosed the suspension while briefing State House correspondents on the outcome of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Tinubu.
Keyamo said the President instructed the aviation ministry and FAAN leadership to halt the policy immediately and revisit the initiative.
He added that Tinubu directed them to “go back to the drawing board” to design a more passenger-friendly system that achieves revenue transparency without compromising convenience.
