BREAKING: Tinubu orders suspension of FAAN cashless policy
President Suspends Cashless Policy at Airports Following Backlash
President Bola Tinubu has ordered an immediate suspension of the cashless policy introduced by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The decision comes just four days after the policy’s implementation led to significant congestion at major airports across the country.
The policy, which took effect on March 1, required travelers to use digital payments through ‘Go Cashless’ cards or point-of-sale (POS) systems for access to airport gates, parking facilities, and lounges. This mandate resulted in severe traffic jams at key airports, including Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Passengers experienced long lines, causing many to miss their flights.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, announced the suspension during a briefing with State House reporters after a Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by President Tinubu.
Keyamo stated that the President instructed the aviation ministry and FAAN to halt the policy’s implementation pending a review. Tinubu emphasized the need to develop an alternative approach that better balances revenue transparency with passenger convenience.
