President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate suspension of the newly introduced cashless payment system at Nigerian airports following widespread complaints of traffic congestion and missed flights.
The directive was disclosed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, after the Federal Executive Council meeting held at the State House, Abuja.
Keyamo said the decision came less than a week after the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) rolled out the cashless toll system at airport entry points nationwide. The initiative was designed to eliminate corruption and boost federal revenue by replacing a cash-based system that had operated for over 50 years.
However, the transition triggered severe gridlock, particularly at airport toll gates in Lagos and Abuja, leaving many passengers stranded and forcing some to miss scheduled flights.
According to the minister, President Tinubu expressed deep concern over the hardship faced by Nigerians and promptly directed that the policy be halted.
“Mr President was very concerned about the welfare of Nigerians and the fact that most Nigerians were missing their flights. Out of empathy, he directed that we suspend the present system because it has created gridlock and Nigerians are suffering as a result,” Keyamo stated.
Following the suspension, the government has ordered a temporary return to the previous payment arrangement while improvements are made. A hybrid system will now be implemented, allowing motorists to pay cash while also accepting prepaid FAAN cards already purchased by some users.
Keyamo stressed that the suspension is not a reversal of the government’s commitment to full electronic payment but a temporary measure aimed at easing immediate pressure on airport access roads.
The minister further revealed that the Federal Government would engage private sector partners to design a more efficient electronic payment solution. He noted that private operators may be allowed to manage the system and collect revenue on behalf of the government, even if it requires commission-based arrangements.
“To the extent that it will not create the gridlock that we are having right now,” he added, emphasising that efficiency and seamless access must be prioritised.
FEC Approves Abuja Second Runway Re-Scoping
In a related development, the Federal Executive Council approved the re-scoping and continuation of the long-delayed second runway project at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
Keyamo explained that the project, initially awarded by a previous administration, had stalled due to foreign exchange volatility and other cost escalations that significantly altered the original financial projections.
Currency fluctuations also impacted compensation payments to landowners affected by the project, while new technical requirements — including runway extension, additional taxiways and apron works — necessitated a redesign.
The Council approved the re-award of four major components of the project:
• Construction of the runway, taxiways and connecting links
• Perimeter fencing and security gates
• Internal airport roads and emergency crash roads
• Procurement and installation of airfield lighting, navigational aids, communication and meteorological systems
Additionally, a dedicated power station and switchyard will be constructed to ensure stable electricity supply, alongside procurement of operational vehicles and essential equipment.
Keyamo described the approvals as a significant milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure, noting that President Tinubu had “graciously approved” the revised components to fast-track completion.
The twin decisions  suspending the airport cashless toll system and reviving the Abuja second runway project signal what officials describe as a balance between immediate passenger relief and long-term aviation development.