Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has approved a temporary hybrid payment system at airport access gates across the country after the earlier fully cashless arrangement caused major traffic delays.

The decision followed a review meeting with officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and senior ministry staff to assess complaints linked to the new payment system.

The cashless policy, introduced earlier this year, required motorists to pay gate fees using prepaid cards or digital channels. However, the rollout led to heavy congestion at airport entrances as many drivers attempted to register for the required cards at the gates.

The situation prompted Bola Tinubu to order a suspension of the system pending further review.

Under the new directive, motorists will temporarily be allowed to pay using either cash or electronic methods. The hybrid arrangement is expected to take effect from March 13, 2026.

Officials said existing users of the FAAN “Go Cashless” cards can continue using them, while other digital options such as POS terminals will also remain available.

The ministry said the hybrid system is only an interim measure while work continues on a more efficient fully automated electronic payment structure at airport gates nationwide.