Keyamo Orders Resumption of Hybrid Payment At Airport Gates
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced the resumption of a hybrid payment system at airport access gates nationwide starting Friday, March 13, 2026.
The directive follows the earlier suspension of the fully cashless payment policy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which had caused traffic gridlocks at major airports.
Under the new arrangement, motorists can pay using either cash or electronic channels.
The Ministry of Aviation confirmed that the hybrid system will be implemented across all airports managed by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
Motorists will continue to use electronic options such as the FAAN Go Cashless Card, point-of-sale terminals, and other approved digital platforms while authorities work to restore an efficient automated system.
Speaking on the move, the ministry explained, “Following the suspension of the full cashless Access Gate payment system as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Honourable Minister of Aviation met with FAAN officials and senior ministry staff.
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.”
The temporary hybrid system was introduced after the fully cashless model created operational challenges, including severe congestion at airport access points.
Motorists who already possess the FAAN Go Cashless Card were advised to continue using it, with more than 100,000 cards issued since the rollout.
The ministry added that plans are ongoing to engage concessionaires to introduce a fully automated payment system in the future, aiming to eventually eliminate cash payments.
The hybrid model is intended as a temporary measure to ensure smoother airport access while the electronic payment framework is refined.
FAAN had initially rolled out the nationwide cashless payment policy on March 1, 2026, requiring digital payments for airport access gates, parking, and executive lounges.
However, reports from Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport showed significant traffic congestion in the early days, with some passengers missing flights.
In response, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered a temporary suspension of the policy on March 4 to allow authorities to review the system and prevent further gridlocks.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
