Abuja — The Federal Government has approved a hybrid payment system for access gates at Nigerian airports following the suspension of the previously introduced fully cashless payment arrangement.
The directive was issued after the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, held a review meeting with officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and senior ministry representatives to address operational challenges linked to the earlier rollout.
The original cashless system had been suspended on the directive of Bola Ahmed Tinubu after motorists experienced significant traffic gridlock at airport entry points.
Hybrid Payment Begins March 13
Under the new arrangement, motorists will be able to make payments using both cash and electronic channels at airport access gates beginning March 13, 2026.
The ministry said the temporary measure is intended to ease congestion while authorities work toward a fully automated system.
Electronic Options Remain Available
Officials confirmed that existing digital payment options will remain operational. Motorists who already possess FAAN Go Cashless Cards will continue to use them, while POS terminals and other approved digital payment channels will also be accepted.
Long-Term Automation Plan
The ministry also announced plans to engage concessionaires to develop a fully automated electronic payment system for airport access gates nationwide. The initiative is expected to eventually eliminate cash transactions once operational bottlenecks have been addressed.
Authorities urged road users and airport visitors to obtain the FAAN Go Cashless Card as part of ongoing efforts to modernize payment systems across Nigeria’s airport infrastructure.