Tinubu Suspends Cashless Airport Policy Amid Gridlock

On [date not specified], President Bola Tinubu directed the immediate suspension of the recently introduced cashless payment system at Nigerian airports, following reports of significant traffic gridlock and hardships for travelers. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this decision during a briefing after a Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja.

The cashless system was implemented to eliminate corruption and improve revenue collection by replacing decades-old cash payment practices at toll gates. However, the introduction of the system led to long queues, causing passengers to miss flights, particularly in Lagos and Abuja.

President Tinubu expressed concern for the welfare of Nigerians affected by the situation and emphasized the need for a temporary solution. The government plans to revert to previous payment arrangements while developing a more efficient electronic payment platform in collaboration with private sector partners.

Keyamo clarified that the suspension should not be interpreted as a permanent return to cash transactions but as a necessary measure to ease current difficulties.