The implementation of a new cashless policy by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has led to significant traffic congestion at access gates of Lagos and Abuja airports in the last three days.
Starting March 1, 2026, FAAN prohibited cash payments at all access gates, car parks, and executive lounges.
While the policy aims to block revenue leakages and modernize operations, its enforcement at this initial stage has caused several logistical challenges.
At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, many motorists expressed frustration over delays at the access gate. Pinnacle Daily observed on Tuesday, that the delay led to long lines of vehicles who waited to either register for the FAAN “Go Cashless” system or make payments before being allowed to pass the access gate.
At the access gate were some toll attendants carrying POS machines signaling motorists who may wish to pay with their ATM cards.
Many motorists arrived without the required digital payment cards, leading to long queues as they attempted to register and fund cards on the spot.
While POS and ATM cards are accepted, network issues and slow processing times have turned what should be a 30-second transaction into a 20-minute ordeal for some.
Frustrated by the delays, some motorists, including ride-hailing drivers, dispatch riders, delivery truck operators and commercial vehicle operators were seen blowing horns intermittently, cursing the toll attendants for subjecting them through the process they considered difficult.
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“I’ve been here for 40 minutes,” shouted Kunle Adeyemi, a businessman trying to catch a flight to Abuja. His driver tapped the steering wheel in frustration while scrolling through his phone, apparently trying to use a bank app to make payment. “They said tap your card and go. Which card? The POS isn’t even responding.”
Ahead of them, a young woman named Amara leaned halfway out of her SUV, gesturing wildly at the toll attendant.
“I transferred the money,” she insisted, raising up her phone screen as proof.
The attendant, drenched in sweat beneath a reflective vest, shook his head apologetically. The payment hadn’t been reflected in the system. Without confirmation, the barrier would not lift.
Some airport security personnel were seen moving around nervously, trying to maintain order as more vehicles poured in from the expressway.
The irony of the situation was not lost on anyone as the policy was meant to reduce congestion.
In an earlier press statement, FAAN had described the move as “a modernization effort,” designed to improve accountability, eliminate leakages, and speed up access into the airport premises. Digital payments, they promised, would mean seamless entry. The agency said the implementation of the FAAN Go Cashless Programme is in line with the Federal Government’s directive on cashless transactions.
Network failures plagued the payment terminals.
Some drivers arrived unaware of the new rule, clutching crisp naira notes as usual, but were not accepted.
In Abuja airport, some travellers trapped in traffic for hours reportedly abandoned their vehicles at the toll gate to trek to the terminal with their luggage to avoid missing flights.
In a video shared online by AIT, a Whiteman was seen alighting from a bike with his luggage, rushing to catch up with a flight in the Abuja airport. He appears to have boarded the commercial motorcycle, popularly known as okada from the airport access gate after a long delay.
In a statement on Sunday, March 1, FAAN said it acknowledged initial operational challenges, reflected in the traffic congestion at the access gates and assured the public that additional staff and stronger network support were being deployed to ease the situation.
The statement said that prior to the commencement date, FAAN had issued a wide publicity, notices, and repeated announcements, but a significant number of motorists failed to register for their Go Cashless cards, only to do so that morning at the gates.
“This understandably created pressure on the toll lanes and resulted in temporary gridlock,” FAAN stated.
“While some initial adjustment challenges were anticipated, as with any major system transition, the Authority had provided ample notice to encourage early registration and avoid congestion on day one.”
FAAN urged motorists who have registered for the Go Cashless to preload funds on their cards and arrive earlier than usual while the system stabilized.
“We appeal for your patience, understanding, and cooperation as we work diligently to stabilise and streamline the process. This transition is designed to deliver long-term benefits — faster processing, improved transparency, reduced cash handling risks, and a more efficient airport environment for all.
“We therefore urge all motorists who are yet to obtain their Go Cashless cards to take advantage of the expanded registration support being provided and to plan ahead for subsequent visits. Together, with your cooperation, we will make this process seamless. FAAN remains committed to providing a safe, efficient, and world-class airport experience,” the statement added.
In an interview on Arise News Television on Wednesday, Henry Agbebire, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN, said the agency had conducted public sensitisation and issued a series of press releases to create awareness about the programme, but recorded low response.
According to Adegbire, only 30,000 people were registered and got their cards between October 2025 and February 2026.
“We have been trying to sensitise people and let them know about the cashless programme. We issued press releases, but the response was still not forthcoming,” Adegbire stated.
Nigerians React
Nigerians who reacted to the development online said the programme was not properly thought through before FAAN rushed to implementation.
Country manager at Tradegrid, Jide Pratt said FAAN should have considered the level of fintech adoption in the country before implementing the programme for ease, adaptability and sustainability.
He further stated that some people who already have the FAAN Go Cashless cards were still locked in hours of traffic logjam while trying to gain entry into the domestic terminal of the Lagos airport.
An X user, Adeoye Adetutu said FAAN should have given more time and also created adequate awareness and sensitisation of the public before commencing implementation of the policy.
We’ll Review the System to Improve efficiency – Keyamo
In a post on his X handle, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo said the aim of going cashless is to eliminate corruption and optimise revenue generation by FAAN.
The minister said his team would review implementation of the cashless policy at the airports, assuring improvement in the efficiency of the system.
“By the end of this week, I, along with my team, will be reviewing the first one week of our going cashless at all our payment points at airports across the country in order to eliminate corruption and optimise revenue,” Keyamo stated.
“We will surely improve the efficiency of the new system as time progresses by developing new ideas, but this government is determined to end the practice of collecting cash at our gates.”
He appealed to members of the public to bear with them.
To mitigate the chaos, FAAN has highlighted four primary digital options:
FAAN Go Cashless Card: The primary “Tap and Go” option.
E-Tag: Best for frequent flyers (automatic deductions).
VIP Sticker: For authorized/official vehicles.
ATM/Debit Cards via POS: Available on-site but discouraged due to potential network delays.
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.
