Chaos at Abuja Airport: Passengers and Motorists Stranded as FAAN Enforces Full Cashless Policy

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 Major disruptions hit the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja over the weekend as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) fully implemented its "Go Cashless" programme, banning cash payments at airport access gates.

The policy, which took full effect on March 1, 2026, requires motorists to use prepaid "Go Cashless" cards or electronic payment methods for tolls and access. This aligns with the federal government's push for cashless transactions to enhance transparency, reduce revenue leakages, and promote digital efficiency. The initiative, piloted since late 2025 in partnership with platforms like Paystack, now covers key airports including NAIA in Abuja and Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.

However, the sudden strict enforcement caught many off guard. Long queues formed at toll gates as motorists without the prepaid cards were denied entry, turned back, or directed to on-site registration points. This led to severe gridlock, with traffic backing up significantly around the airport entrance.

Passengers reported being stranded for hours, some missing flights or facing delayed pickups and drop-offs. Frustrated travellers described abandoning vehicles temporarily or resorting to alternative means to reach check-in on time. Similar scenes unfolded at Lagos airports, amplifying nationwide complaints about inadequate preparation despite prior awareness campaigns.

FAAN has appealed for patience and understanding, attributing initial delays to the rush of first-time registrations at the gates. In a statement, the authority noted: “The FAAN Go Cashless Programme officially comes into full operation today at the access gates of the MMIA and the NAIA in alignment with the federal government’s directive on cashless transactions.”

To mitigate issues, FAAN deployed extra personnel, expanded registration points, and improved on-ground traffic coordination. Officials urged frequent users to obtain and preload cards in advance via commercial offices or designated points to avoid future delays, emphasizing long-term benefits like faster processing and reduced cash-handling risks.

Critics argue the rollout lacked sufficient infrastructure and public sensitization, especially for time-sensitive airport travel. As the policy stabilizes, airport users are advised to plan ahead and embrace the digital shift for smoother experiences.

This transition reflects broader efforts in Nigeria to digitize payments, but the chaotic debut highlights the challenges of abrupt policy changes in high-traffic environments. FAAN has promised ongoing improvements to ease the transition.

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