Tinubu Suspends FAAN Cashless Policy Amid Airport Gridlocks

On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu directed the immediate suspension of the cashless policy implemented by the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) at airport toll gates. This policy, introduced on March 1, mandated digital payments via cashless cards, replacing a 50-year cash collection system.

The implementation led to chaotic scenes at airports, causing passengers to miss flights, particularly at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo announced the decision following a Federal Executive Council meeting, emphasizing the President's concern for passenger welfare.

The cashless system was intended to eliminate corruption and optimize revenue for the federal government but resulted in significant gridlock. The President's intervention aims to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians, with a temporary hybrid approach allowing cash collection while refining the payment system.

Keyamo noted that private entities would be engaged to help develop an efficient payment system.