FAAN Cashless Policy Suspended As Tinubu Orders Immediate Review
In the latest major development in the aviation sector, the FAAN cashless policy has been suspended following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to immediately halt the controversial payment system introduced by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The decision to have the FAAN cashless policy suspended comes barely four days after its rollout triggered massive gridlock at major airports across the country.
It would be recalled that the policy, launched on March 1, mandated digital payments through Go Cashless cards or POS systems for airport access gates, parking, and lounge services.
However, the implementation quickly led to serious disruptions at key facilities, including Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The introduction of the system resulted in long queues, stranded motorists, and numerous missed flights, forcing authorities to reconsider the approach as pressure mounted for the decision to suspend the FAAN cashless policy.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, announced that the suspension directive was issued after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Tinubu.
Briefing State House Correspondents, the minister disclosed that the president instructed the aviation ministry and FAAN leadership to immediately halt the implementation pending a comprehensive review.
According to him, Tinubu ordered them to “go back to the drawing board” and develop a more people-friendly alternative that will balance revenue transparency objectives with passenger convenience.
With the FAAN cashless policy suspended, stakeholders in the aviation industry are now expecting a revised system that addresses the operational challenges experienced during the short-lived rollout.
Many travelers had earlier expressed frustration over the abrupt implementation, noting that the digital-only payment requirement created avoidable delays and confusion at entry points.
The suspension of the policy is seen as a response to public outcry and a move aimed at restoring smooth operations at the nation’s airports.
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