Keyamo Approves Hybrid Payment System at Airport Gates After Cashless Policy Suspension

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has directed the introduction of a hybrid payment system at airport access gates across the country, following the suspension of the fully cashless policy that caused widespread traffic congestion.

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood. It followed a meeting between Keyamo, officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and senior ministry officials to assess the challenges that marred the rollout of the cashless payment system.

The cashless policy, which took effect on March 1, 2026, was suspended on the orders of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after it led to severe gridlock at major airport entry points, leaving passengers stranded and many missing flights.

According to the statement, the ministry has now resolved to modify the system while working toward a more efficient automated payment structure.

“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,” the statement read.

As an interim measure, motorists will be permitted to pay using both cash and electronic channels. The hybrid arrangement takes effect from Friday, March 13, 2026.

“In the meantime, a hybrid payment system that accommodates both cash and card payments will resume at all airport access gates with effect from Friday, March 13, 2026,” the statement added.

Motorists who already possess FAAN’s Go Cashless Cards may continue using them, and other electronic payment options, including POS terminals and approved digital channels, will remain available.

The ministry encouraged road users to adopt the electronic card system as efforts continue to improve the payment infrastructure.

“Members of the public and road users are encouraged to obtain and use the FAAN Go Cashless Card as the Authority continues to enhance and fully optimise the cashless payment system,” the statement said.

The directive temporarily restores the previous payment arrangement while the ministry works toward a fully automated system.

FAAN had introduced the cashless policy on March 1, requiring all payments at airport access gates, car parks, and service points to be made electronically through prepaid cards and digital channels. The policy was designed to curb corruption and boost revenue collection but faced immediate operational challenges, leading to its suspension.