Keyamo Orders Hybrid Payments at Airport Gates Following Tollgate Chaos
The Federal Government has authorised the immediate introduction of a hybrid payment system at all airport access gates across Nigeria. This directive, issued by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, takes effect from Friday, March 13, 2026. The new arrangement permits both cash and electronic payments, reversing the strictly cashless policy that triggered a week of administrative paralysis and passenger frustration at major hubs.
The shift follows a direct intervention by President Bola Tinubu, who ordered tollgates to be thrown open to prevent further flight delays. For the past five days, motorists at Lagos and Abuja airports have enjoyed free passage as FAAN officials vacated entry points to “restrategise.” Keyamo met with senior ministry and FAAN officials on Tuesday to review the “operational setbacks” of the initial rollout. The consensus was clear: the system lacked a sufficient pilot phase to handle the high volume of peak-hour traffic.
Under the new hybrid model, the “FAAN Go Cashless” cards remain valid and are actively encouraged for frequent users. However, those without cards will no longer be turned away or forced to register on the spot—a practice that was the primary driver of the recent gridlock. POS terminals and other digital channels will also stay operational at all entry points. This dual-track approach aims to maintain revenue transparency without compromising the efficiency of airport logistics.
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The long-term objective remains a “fully automated” electronic system, but the ministry has now resolved to engage private concessionaires to manage the technology. These partners will be tasked with deploying high-speed electronic gates similar to those found in international transit hubs. The government intends to eventually eliminate cash, but only after a robust infrastructure is in place. The earlier attempt, though well-intentioned in its bid to curb corruption, failed due to the suddenness of its enforcement.
The Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, noted that despite the chaos, the brief enforcement window saw a massive surge in compliance. Over 100,000 access cards have now been issued, with 62,000 distributed in just three days. This indicates a high level of public willingness to adapt, provided the technology does not impede movement. Kuku described the current hybrid phase as an “extended pilot” that will allow for better user education and technical refinement.
For the Nigerian traveller, the return to a hybrid system offers a practical compromise. The administration is essentially returning to the status quo while keeping its digital infrastructure “on standby.” The challenge for the Ministry of Aviation over the coming months will be proving that its future automated system can process a vehicle in seconds rather than minutes. Until that threshold is met, the cash box will remain a fixture at Nigeria’s airport gates.