The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will introduce a hybrid payment system allowing both cash and electronic payments at airport access gates nationwide from March 13, 2026.
The decision follows the suspension of the full cashless payment system after it triggered traffic gridlock at several airports shortly after its rollout.
In a statement issued by Tunde Moshood, special adviser on media and communications to the aviation minister, the suspension was ordered by Bola Tinubu.
Following the directive, the minister of aviation and aerospace development, Festus Keyamo, instructed FAAN to halt the cashless system and revert to the previous arrangement.
The ministry said the temporary measure would allow authorities to address operational challenges observed during the first phase of the rollout.
According to the statement, Keyamo met with FAAN officials and senior ministry staff to review the initial implementation and assess issues that emerged during the first days of operation.
Moshood explained that while the long-term goal remains a fully automated payment system, the hybrid approach will serve as an interim solution.
“The ministry has resolved to engage concessionaires to introduce a fully automated or electronic system at access gates in order to eventually eliminate cash payments,” he said.
“In the meantime, a hybrid payment system that accommodates both cash and card payments will resume at all airport access gates with effect from Friday, March 13, 2026.”
Motorists who already possess the FAAN Go Cashless Card can continue using it for payments, while other electronic options—including point-of-sale terminals and approved digital payment channels—will remain available.
The ministry encouraged road users and members of the public to obtain the FAAN card as authorities continue to improve and optimise the cashless system.
“This directive restores the previous access gate payment arrangement while the ministry continues to work on the fully automated system,” the statement added.
Earlier, Keyamo had announced that the ministry would review the first seven days of implementing the cashless payment system, which was introduced to curb corruption and improve revenue collection at airport entry points.