By George Omagbemi Sylvester
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the suspension of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)’s controversial cashless toll gate policy, calling for a review of the system amid public backlash and operational concerns. The decision was made to ease travel frustrations and restore flexibility for passengers using Nigerian airports.
The directive was issued on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the State House in Abuja, where Tinubu emphasised that government policies must be responsive to public interest and grounded in practicable implementation. The president noted that while digital payment systems can enhance efficiency, the rollout of the cashless toll gates (which required passengers to pay all airport service charges electronically before departure) had created confusion and hardship for many travellers who still rely on cash transactions.
The suspended policy, introduced by FAAN earlier in 2026, mandated that all Nigerian airport users settle service charges exclusively through electronic platforms before accessing departure lounges. However, travellers and aviation stakeholders criticised the policy for excluding cash users, creating bottlenecks, and worsening pre‑flight disruptions; especially at major airports like Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos) and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (Abuja).
Tinubu instructed FAAN, the Ministry of Aviation, and other relevant agencies to engage with airline operators, airport unions, and consumer representatives to redesign a more inclusive and phased payment system that accommodates both digital and cash methods. Analysts say the suspension reflects responsiveness to citizen concerns and the need for infrastructural policies that balance innovation with accessibility, particularly in a country where cash remains a dominant medium for everyday transactions.
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