Airport Gate Fees: FG Introduces Temporary Cash, Electronic Payment System

The Federal Government has approved a temporary hybrid payment system for airport access gates nationwide, allowing motorists to pay with either cash or electronic channels beginning Friday, March 13, 2026.

The directive was issued by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, following a review meeting with officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and senior ministry personnel.

The development comes after the earlier suspension of the fully cashless payment policy for airport access ordered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the traffic gridlock it created at major airports.

Under the new arrangement, motorists entering airports will be able to make payments either in cash or through electronic platforms, including point-of-sale terminals and approved digital channels.

A statement from the ministry explained that the hybrid model became necessary following operational challenges experienced during the initial rollout of the fully cashless system, which caused heavy congestion at airport entry points.

Motorists who already possess the FAAN Go Cashless Card were advised to continue using it, noting that more than 100,000 cards have been issued since the policy was introduced.

The ministry added that discussions are ongoing with concessionaires to develop a more efficient automated payment system that would eventually restore the full cashless framework.

Authorities also encouraged frequent airport users to obtain the FAAN Go Cashless Card as part of efforts to improve the electronic payment system in the long run.

FAAN had earlier introduced the nationwide cashless payment policy on March 1, 2026, covering airport access gates, parking areas and executive lounges across its facilities.

However, the implementation at major airports such as Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport reportedly led to severe traffic congestion, with some passengers missing their scheduled flights.

Following the disruption, President Tinubu directed a temporary suspension of the policy on March 4 to allow authorities review the system and prevent further gridlock while improvements are made.