The Federal Government has announced the resumption of a hybrid payment system at airport access gates, reversing the earlier full cashless policy that caused widespread traffic congestion.
According to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), in a press statement signed by his Special Adviser On Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the cashless system had been suspended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after reports of gridlock at major airports.
The decision follows a high-level meeting between the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and senior staff of the Ministry.
During the meeting, the Ministry reviewed the initial implementation of the cashless system and examined the operational challenges that had arisen.
As a result, the Ministry announced that a hybrid system allowing both cash and card payments will resume at all airport access gates from Friday, March 13, 2026.
Motorists who already hold FAAN Go Cashless Cards may continue using them, and other electronic payment options, including POS terminals and approved digital channels, will remain available.
Looking ahead, the Ministry confirmed plans to engage concessionaires to implement a fully automated electronic system at all airport access points, with the goal of eventually eliminating cash transactions entirely.
The Ministry urged members of the public and road users to obtain and use the FAAN Go Cashless Card, describing it as a key step toward a fully optimized and modernized airport access system.
While the hybrid model restores previous payment arrangements, officials emphasised that work on a fully automated system will continue.
