The Federal Government has announced plans to engage concessionaires to introduce automation of payment systems at access gates of airports across Nigeria, with the long-term goal of transitioning to a fully electronic model.
This comes as the government through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has begun immediate implementation of a hybrid system to ease severe traffic congestion caused by a previous cashless policy rollout.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this on Tuesday following a review meeting with officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and senior ministry officials in Abuja.
The meeting was convened to address the operational challenges that arose from the full rollout of cashless payment systems at access gates of airports recently.
The FAAN Go Cashless initiative, which was rolled out on March 1, 2026, was suspended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after it triggered widespread gridlock at major airports, particularly Lagos and Abuja.
Fully Automated System in View
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the Minister outlined the government’s resolution to engage private partners for a more permanent solution. “The Ministry has resolved to engage concessionaires in order to introduce a fully automated or electronic system at all access gates at our airports in order to fully and eventually eliminate cash payments,” part of the statement reads.
This move to concession the automation aims to leverage private sector expertise and investment to create a seamless, efficient, and permanent digital payment infrastructure.
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The long-term objective, according to the Ministry, is to completely phase out cash transactions at airport entry points once the upgraded system becomes fully operational.
Hybrid System Returns Effective Friday
Pending the finalisation of the concession and the development of the new automated system, the Minister has directed the immediate reintroduction of a hybrid payment system. This interim measure is set to take effect from Friday, March 13, 2026.
Under this directive, motorists will once again be permitted to pay at the access gates using both cash and electronic options.
“In the meantime, a hybrid payment system that accommodates both cash and card payments will resume at all airport access gates,” the statement confirmed.
The government clarified that this temporary arrangement is intended to restore smooth traffic flow while maintaining progress toward a fully digital payment structure.
The statement further said motorists who already have the FAAN Go Cashless Cards may continue to use them, and Point of Sale (POS) terminals and other approved digital payment channels will remain operational at the gates.
The Ministry encouraged members of the public and road users to obtain and use the FAAN Go Cashless Card, stating that the Authority continues to work on enhancing and fully optimising the long-term cashless payment system.
The initial cashless policy, introduced by FAAN on March 1, 2026, required all payments at airport access gates, car parks, and other service points to be made electronically. However, the rollout led to significant traffic build-up and long queues as many motorists attempted to register at the gates, prompting the President’s directive for a suspension and review. It is estimated that millions of naira were lost daily during the brief suspension period when the gates were left open.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist, scholar and analyst of socioeconomic issues in Nigeria and Africa. He is skilled in energy reporting, business and economy, and holds a master's degree in mass communication.
