Keyamo Restores Hybrid Payments at Nigeria Airports

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has ordered the reintroduction of a hybrid payment system at Nigeria airports. This system will allow motorists to pay with both cash and electronic methods. The decision came after the suspension of a cashless-only policy, which caused severe traffic congestion.

The minister announced this directive through a statement from his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood. The Federal Government reviewed the issues caused by the recent cashless payment system at airport gates managed by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

The new payment system will begin on Friday, March 13, 2026. It will restore the option to pay with cash while still allowing digital payment methods like prepaid cards, point-of-sale (POS) terminals, and other approved electronic platforms.

Policy Change After Traffic Issues

This change follows the suspension of a fully cashless payment system that began on March 1, 2026, at Nigerian airports. The policy required motorists to pay only through electronic channels and prepaid cards. It aimed to reduce revenue losses and update airport operations.

However, the new system quickly led to significant traffic jams at several airport entry points. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intervened, ordering the suspension of the policy shortly after it started.

According to reports, the government office held a review meeting with senior officials from FAAN and the aviation ministry to evaluate the problems and find a more practical solution.

In the statement, Moshood said that the decision to bring back a hybrid payment system aims to ease congestion while authorities work on a long-term automated system.

He mentioned, “In the meantime, a hybrid payment system that accommodates both cash and card payments will resume at all airport access gates starting on Friday, March 13, 2026.”

Continuing Digital Options

Even with this partial change, aviation authorities say that electronic payment options will stay important for airport operations. Motorists who have the FAAN Go Cashless Card, introduced under the previous system, can continue using it along with other digital payment methods.

Moshood said, “Motorists who already possess FAAN Go Cashless Cards may continue to use them.”

Other approved electronic payment channels, including POS terminals and digital platforms, will still be available at airport access gates.

Plans for a Fully Automated System

While cash payments will be temporarily restored, the aviation ministry emphasized that this hybrid arrangement is just a short-term solution. The government plans to implement a fully automated electronic payment system at airport entry points nationwide.

Officials say the ministry will work with private concessionaires to develop a modern system that can manage traffic more effectively while reducing manual processes and chances for corruption.

According to the minister’s office, “The Ministry has resolved to engage concessionaires to introduce a fully automated or electronic system at all access gates.”

Authorities also encouraged motorists and airport users to use electronic payment options whenever possible as FAAN works to improve the infrastructure for the cashless platform.

Balancing Efficiency with Accessibility

This policy change shows the government’s effort to balance digital modernization with the current situation at Nigeria’s busy airports. Analysts note that while cashless systems can enhance transparency and revenue collection, gaps in infrastructure and user readiness often influence their success.

By temporarily allowing cash payments and keeping digital options, the aviation ministry aims to avoid more traffic issues and ensure smooth access to airport facilities.

With the hybrid payment system set to start on March 13, airport authorities will monitor its success while continuing to develop a fully automated payment structure for Nigeria’s aviation sector.