Hybrid Access Gate Payment System to Resume at Nigerian Airports – Aviation Minister

The Federal Government has directed the introduction of a hybrid payment system at airport access gates across Nigeria, allowing both cash and electronic payments, following operational challenges experienced with the recently introduced cashless system.

The directive was issued after a meeting between the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Festus Keyamo SAN alongside senior officials of the ministry, to review the implementation of the access gate payment system.

The meeting followed the earlier suspension of the fully cashless payment arrangement ordered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after the system caused significant traffic gridlock at airport entry points.

According to a statement released Tuesday by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the Ministry resolved to engage concessionaires to develop a fully automated or electronic system that will eventually eliminate cash payments at airport gates nationwide.

Pending the full deployment of that system, Moshood said a hybrid arrangement will take effect from Friday, March 13, 2026.

“The hybrid payment system, which accommodates both cash and card payments, will resume at all airport access gates with effect from Friday,” the statement said.

Motorists who already possess FAAN Go Cashless Cards have been advised to continue using them until further notice. In addition, other electronic payment options such as POS terminals and approved digital channels will remain available.

The Ministry also encouraged members of the public and road users to obtain the FAAN Go Cashless Card as authorities continue to improve and optimise the electronic payment framework.