President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate suspension of the controversial cashless policy introduced by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.
The directive comes four days after the rollout of the policy triggered widespread gridlock at major airports across the country.
The initiative, launched on March 1, mandated digital payments through Go Cashless cards or point of sale systems for access gates, parking, and airport lounges.
Its implementation resulted in severe traffic congestion at key facilities, including Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The disruption led to long queues, stranded motorists, and numerous missed flights.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, announced the suspension while briefing State House correspondents on the outcome of the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by the President.
According to the minister, Tinubu directed the aviation ministry and the leadership of FAAN to halt the implementation pending a comprehensive review.
The President also instructed them to “go back to the drawing board” and develop a more people friendly alternative that balances revenue transparency objectives with passenger convenience.
