Tinubu Suspends FAAN Cashless Policy Amid Airport Chaos

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the suspension of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria's (FAAN) cashless payment policy, which was implemented nationwide on March 1, 2023. The decision, announced by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, followed reports of severe congestion at major airports, causing passengers to miss flights.

The cashless policy was intended to eliminate corruption and optimize revenue collection for the federal government but instead led to long queues at toll gate payment points. The suspension aims to protect passenger welfare while the government addresses operational challenges related to payment access at airport entry points and car parks.

FAAN acknowledged the situation and has deployed additional personnel to improve ground coordination and ease congestion. The cashless policy was initially piloted at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, with plans for a nationwide rollout.

The government emphasizes that passenger convenience will be prioritized in the review and redesign of the payment framework.