Motorists stranded as FAAN goes fully cashless at Airport gates

Motorists were thrown into confusion on Sunday as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) commenced full cashless operations at the entrance gates of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, triggering massive gridlock and leaving many drivers stranded.

The sudden enforcement of the policy caught several airport users off guard, as only motorists with the newly introduced Go Cashless cards were allowed access through the toll gates. Those without the cards were turned back or forced to register on the spot, worsening the congestion around the busy entry point.

An investigation revealed that despite FAAN’s sustained awareness campaign since 2025, a significant number of motorists were either unaware that the policy would take effect at the airport gates or had delayed obtaining the required payment card.

“I have been plying this route every day and I heard about the cashless policy, but I didn’t know it would start from the entrance gate,” said one of the affected motorists, John Ameh, who expressed frustration over the unexpected disruption to his movement.

In a statement shared on its official platforms, FAAN acknowledged the traffic build-up and apologised for the inconvenience caused. The Authority said the full rollout of the Go Cashless Programme at both the Abuja airport and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport aligns with the Federal Government’s directive on cashless transactions.

FAAN noted that although notices and repeated announcements had been issued ahead of the launch date, many motorists chose to register for their cards at the gates on the first day of enforcement, placing pressure on the toll lanes and resulting in temporary gridlock.

While admitting that some teething problems were expected with a transition of this scale, the Authority stressed that ample time had been provided for early registration to avoid exactly the kind of congestion witnessed.

To address the situation, FAAN said it has deployed additional personnel to the access points, expanded registration centres to fast-track card issuance, and strengthened on-ground coordination to improve traffic flow.

The Authority appealed for patience and cooperation, insisting that the cashless initiative is designed to deliver long-term benefits, including faster processing, improved transparency, reduced risks associated with cash handling, and a more efficient airport environment.

FAAN urged motorists yet to obtain their Go Cashless cards to take advantage of the expanded registration support and plan ahead for future visits, assuring the public of its commitment to providing a safe, efficient and world-class airport experience.