President Bola Tinubu has ordered an immediate suspension of the cashless toll payment system recently rolled out at major airports nationwide, following widespread disruption and public outcry.
Persecondnews reports that the policy, introduced by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on March 1, 2026, barred motorists from making cash payments at airport toll gates, restricting access to prepaid cards and electronic payment platforms.
Its implementation, however, quickly ran into problems, triggering confusion, traffic congestion, and long delays at airport entrances.
Motorists and passengers were left stranded for hours as gridlock built up around airport corridors, leading to missed flights, delayed pickups, and growing frustration among travellers.
Speaking to State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, the Minister of Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), confirmed that the president had approved the suspension of the policy.
He said Tinubu was deeply concerned about the hardship the rollout had caused Nigerians.
According to Keyamo, the president has directed the Ministry of Aviation and relevant agencies to reassess the initiative and develop a more workable strategy before any fresh implementation.
In the interim, motorists will be allowed to pay tolls using either cash or electronic methods.
He added that those who had already purchased prepaid access cards could continue using them, alongside cash payments, until a clear and improved framework is announced.
The suspension marks a swift reversal aimed at easing pressure on airport users, as authorities seek a balance between modern payment systems and operational realities.
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