The Federal Government has directed that airport access gates across Nigeria adopt a hybrid payment system allowing both cash and electronic transactions, following disruptions caused by the recently introduced cashless policy.
The directive was announced after a meeting between the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, senior officials of the ministry, and representatives of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The move is aimed at easing congestion experienced at several airports after the rollout of the fully cashless payment arrangement.
According to a statement issued by the ministry’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the new arrangement will temporarily accommodate both cash and card payments at airport entry points. The hybrid system is expected to take effect from Friday, March 13, 2026.
The ministry explained that discussions are ongoing with concessionaires to develop a more efficient, fully automated electronic payment system for airport access gates in the future. Once the new system is properly deployed, cash transactions are expected to be phased out entirely.
In the meantime, motorists who already possess the FAAN “Go Cashless” access cards will continue to use them, while other electronic payment channels, including point-of-sale (POS) terminals and approved digital platforms, will remain operational. Airport users are also encouraged to obtain the cards as authorities work towards improving the digital payment framework.
The government’s latest directive follows the recent suspension of the compulsory cashless system introduced at federal airports earlier in March. The policy had triggered severe traffic congestion at airport entrances, particularly in Abuja and Lagos, leaving many passengers stranded and causing some to miss their flights.
Officials say the temporary return to a mixed payment structure is intended to restore smoother access to airport facilities while authorities refine the technology and operational processes required for a fully digital system.
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