President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the suspension of the cashless toll payment system at airport gates across the country.
Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, announced the directive on Wednesday. He spoke during a media briefing after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja.
Keyamo said the system, introduced less than a week ago, caused severe traffic gridlock. The congestion occurred mainly at airports in Lagos and Abuja.
Tinubu Cites Passenger Hardship
Keyamo said the president acted after complaints from travellers.
According to him, many passengers missed their flights because vehicles were trapped in long queues at airport gates.
“Mr President was very concerned about the welfare of Nigerians and the fact that many people were missing their flights,” he said.
Tinubu, therefore directed the ministry to suspend the system immediately. He also asked officials to return temporarily to the previous arrangement.
Hybrid System to Operate Temporarily
Keyamo said the government will adopt a temporary hybrid system.
Motorists will pay cash for now. However, travellers who already bought FAAN cards can continue to use them.
He added that the ministry will work with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to redesign the system.
According to him, the government plans to engage private sector operators. The goal is to build a more efficient electronic payment system that will not cause congestion.
“We will go back to the drawing board and perfect the system properly,” he said.
Tinubu Approves Second Abuja Runway
Keyamo also said the council approved the construction of a second runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
He explained that several issues delayed the project. These include foreign exchange volatility and compensation for economic trees and other structures on the project site.
Engineers also identified additional works that were not part of the original design.
According to Keyamo, the approved project includes the construction of the runway, taxiways and perimeter fencing.
It will also cover airfield lighting, navigational equipment and communication systems.
Other components include power supply infrastructure and the procurement of operational vehicles and spare parts.
Keyamo said the approval will allow the project to proceed after years of delay.
