President Bola Tinubu has ordered temporal suspension of the new cashless policy introduced by the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) at access gates of airports across the country.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said President Tinubu gave the directive during the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, March 4.
In a statement issued via his official X handle on Wednesday night, Keyamo said the president issued the directive “out of compassion for the members of the public who are missing their flights and who spend long periods in the traffic.”
Tinubu’s directive followed reactions that trailed the commencement of enforcement of the cashless policy by FAAN on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
Pinnacle Daily had reported that FAAN introduced what it tagged “Go Cashless” programme, banning acceptance of cash for any payment for services at the airports, including access gates, car parks, and executive lounges.
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The enforcement led to chaotic scenes at airport access gates, particularly in Abuja and Lagos airports, where commuters were held in traffic gridlock as vehicles formed long lines due to difficulty in enrolling in the FAAN digital system and making payments online before being allowed to pass.
Many passengers who were held in the traffic at airport access gates reportedly missed flights.
FAAN, in a statement said the cashless policy was to block leakages and optimize revenue generation.
Keyamo said the President directed that a more seamless system should be developed as quickly as possible to eliminate the use of cash.
The minister directed FAAN to revert to a hybrid system that allows those who have obtained the FAAN Go Cashless cards to pay with their cards and also continue accepting cash from people who are to get the cards until a more seamless system is introduced.
“Mr. President directed that a more seamless system should be developed as quickly as possible to eliminate the use of cash,” Keyamo stated.
He further stated that Tinubu also called on FAAN to consider a public-private partnership model in enforcing the cashless policy at the airports by FAAN.
“Consequently, I have directed FAAN to revert to the old system for now and still accept the payment by those who have already obtained their cards. This hybrid system will continue until a new, more seamless system is introduced,” the minister added.
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.
