President Bola Tinubu has suspended the cashless toll gate policy implemented by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) at Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja.
He has directed the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development to return to the drawing board to devise a more efficient system.
The cashless policy, which took effect on March 1, 2026, barred cash payments at airport toll gates, requiring motorists to use prepaid access cards or electronic payment channels. The sudden implementation led to massive traffic gridlock at both airports, with motorists stranded and flights delayed. Many commuters reported being unaware of the policy or lacking compatible debit cards, while others described slow network performance and poor system readiness.
FAAN acknowledged the disruption, stating that while notices and public awareness campaigns had been issued, many motorists opted to register at the gates, causing pressure and temporary congestion. The Authority deployed additional personnel, expanded registration points, and enhanced on-ground coordination to ease traffic, but the chaos prompted the President to suspend the system for reassessment.
Motorists and airport users have welcomed the suspension, noting that the system requires thorough testing and gradual implementation to avoid further disruption. FAAN has pledged to streamline the process and improve public communication before the cashless policy is reintroduced.
