President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate suspension of the controversial cashless policy introduced by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
This is coming barely four days after its rollout triggered massive gridlock at major airports nationwide.
The policy, launched on March 1, mandated digital payments via ‘Go Cashless’ cards or POS systems for airport access gates, parking and lounges.
It sparked severe traffic jams at key facilities such as Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, resulting in long queues, stranded motorists and numerous missed flights.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, announced the suspension of the policy while briefing State House Correspondents on the outcome of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting presided over by President Tinubu.
According to the minister, Tinubu asked the aviation ministry and the leadership of FAAN to halt implementation, pending a review.
The President equally ordered them to “go back to the drawing board” and develop a more people‑friendly alternative that balances revenue transparency goals with passenger convenience.
