Government Unveils Mixed Payment Method for Air Terminal Entrance Points

A new directive from the Federal Government mandates the implementation of a hybrid payment system at airport access gates across the nation, enabling both cash and electronic transactions to alleviate traffic congestion.

This development follows a meeting between the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and key stakeholders, including officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and senior ministry officials, to address challenges that arose during the initial rollout of a fully cashless gate payment system.

The decision to introduce a hybrid system comes on the heels of an order by Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend the full cashless payment system at airport access gates, which had been causing traffic gridlock due to complaints from the public.

According to Tunde Moshood, the minister's Special Adviser on Media and Communications, the government plans to gradually transition to a fully automated payment system at airport access points, as stated in a statement issued in Abuja.

As an interim measure, a hybrid payment system that accepts both cash and card payments will be implemented at all airport access gates starting from March 13, 2026.

Motorists who already possess FAAN Go Cashless Cards will be able to continue using them until further notice, while other electronic payment channels, including Point-of-Sale terminals and approved digital platforms, will also remain available.

The ministry is encouraging the public and road users to obtain and utilize the FAAN Go Cashless Card, as efforts continue to enhance and optimize the cashless payment system.

The latest directive effectively reinstates the previous payment arrangement at airport access gates, pending the introduction of a fully automated electronic system in the future.