JUST IN: Tinubu orders suspension of FAAN cashless policy over airport gridlock
President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate suspension of the newly introduced cashless payment policy following widespread traffic congestion at airport entry gates across the country.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the decision after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The new policy, which took effect on March 1, was introduced by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria. However, reports indicated that its implementation led to severe gridlock at major airports, particularly in Lagos and Abuja, leaving passengers stranded and sparking widespread frustration.
In his reaction while addressing journalists, Keyamo said the FEC approved the suspension of the existing system and directed the ministry to revert to the status quo while developing a more efficient electronic payment solution that would not result in congestion at airport gates.
According to the minister, the President instructed the ministry to “go back to the drawing board” and ensure that corrective measures are implemented without delay.
He added that the ministry would engage private sector partners to manage revenue collection under a redesigned system, with appropriate commission arrangements, aimed at creating a more seamless and efficient process.
The move, he said, is intended to eliminate the current gridlock and ease the hardship faced by Nigerians using the nation’s airports.
Keyamo assured that the ministry would work closely with FAAN to implement the President’s directive and restore normalcy at affected airports.
