The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has directed the introduction of a hybrid payment system that allows both cash and electronic transactions at airport access gates nationwide, as authorities work toward a fully automated digital payment framework.
The directive followed a meeting between the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), alongside senior ministry officials, to review operational challenges encountered during the rollout of a fully cashless gate payment system across the country’s airports, according to a statement by the ministry.
FAAN first introduced the cashless payment system in September 2025 under the “Operation Go Cashless” initiative, beginning with Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport as part of efforts to modernise airport operations.
Hybrid replaces fully cashless payments from March 13
The system enabled motorists and airport users to pay electronically at access gates, car parks, and airport lounges using contactless cards and other digital payment channels.
Under the policy, authorities had earlier announced that from March 1, 2026, cash payments would no longer be accepted at FAAN pay points across Nigerian airports, requiring users to complete transactions through electronic platforms.
However, following the rollout of the system, motorists experienced traffic congestion at airport entry points, prompting intervention from Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of Nigeria, who directed the suspension of the fully cashless access gate payment system.
The temporary restoration of cash payments is intended to ease gridlock at airport gates while technical improvements are made to the electronic payment infrastructure.
The ministry said it is now working to introduce a hybrid payment framework at airport access gates while addressing operational issues observed during the initial rollout. Authorities are also engaging concessionaires to support the deployment of a fully automated payment system across airport access gates nationwide, with the long-term goal of eventually eliminating cash transactions.
As part of the transition, the ministry announced that a hybrid payment system will temporarily replace the fully cashless arrangement.
“In the meantime, a hybrid payment system that accommodates both cash and card payments will resume at all airport access gates with effect from Friday, March 13, 2026,” the ministry stated.
Motorists who already use FAAN’s digital access cards will continue to access electronic payment channels through the FAAN Go Cashless Cards until further notice. Other electronic payment options, including POS terminals and approved digital channels, will also remain available.
“Members of the public and road users are encouraged to obtain and use the FAAN Go Cashless Card as the Authority continues to enhance and fully optimise the cashless payment system,” the ministry added.
The Ministry of Aviation also urged airport road users to adopt the digital payment system as FAAN continues to improve the automated payment infrastructure across Nigeria’s airports.
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