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President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate suspension of the controversial cashless policy introduced by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The directive comes just four days after the rollout of the policy led to massive gridlock at major airports across the country.
According to reports, the initiative, which took effect on March 1, required travellers to make digital payments through ‘Go Cashless’ cards or POS systems for access to airport gates, parking areas and lounges.
The policy triggered severe traffic congestion at major facilities, including Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, leaving motorists stuck in long queues and causing many passengers to miss their flights.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the suspension while addressing State House Correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Tinubu.
The minister said the President instructed the aviation ministry and the management of FAAN to stop the implementation of the policy while a review is carried out.
Tinubu also directed them to “go back to the drawing board” and come up with a more passenger-friendly solution that still promotes transparency in revenue collection without causing inconvenience to travellers.