Tinubu Orders Immediate Suspension of Airport Cashless Payment System

President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate suspension of the cashless payment system recently introduced at airports nationwide.

The decision follows widespread complaints of passenger delays and congestion linked to the policy, which had been in operation for about a week.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the directive after the Federal Executive Council meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja and chaired by the President.

According to the minister, the cashless system was introduced to curb revenue leakages and improve transparency in collections at airport gates — a practice he noted had operated for over five decades.

However, its rollout resulted in significant bottlenecks at airport entry points, with many travellers reportedly missing scheduled flights.

“The President expressed concern over the inconvenience faced by Nigerians,” Keyamo said. “He has directed that the current system be suspended and that we revert to the previous arrangement while we address the challenges.”

He added that the ministry has been instructed to review the framework and develop a more efficient model that will not disrupt passenger movement. The President also asked that the review be concluded promptly and that a report be submitted without delay.

Keyamo said the government may involve private sector partners in designing an improved electronic payment platform capable of collecting gate fees without causing congestion.

The suspension takes effect immediately, pending the outcome of the review.