President Tinubu Orders Immediate Suspension of Cashless Payment System at Airports
President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive to the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, to suspend the recently introduced cashless payment system at Nigerian airports. This system, implemented by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has faced significant criticism due to operational challenges.
Minister Keyamo Announces Presidential Directive
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo made the announcement while briefing State House correspondents after a meeting of the Federal Executive Council. The meeting took place at the State House Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, March 4. Keyamo stated that President Tinubu instructed him to "go back to the drawing board, suspend the present system and perfect a system that will work perfectly without putting unnecessary pressure on citizens."
The President emphasized the need for a quick resolution, even if it involves collaboration with the private sector. Keyamo elaborated on this point, noting that the directive includes exploring all available options to ensure a smoother transition to cashless operations.
Implementation of a Hybrid Payment System
In response to the presidential directive, Minister Keyamo outlined plans for a temporary hybrid payment system. This interim measure will allow passengers to choose between cash and card payments, aiming to reduce the current inconveniences. "There will be a hybrid system for now whereby those who already possess cards will be allowed to use it while those who prefer cash will be allowed to do so," Keyamo explained.
He further indicated that private sector participants would be engaged to help devise effective means for cashless collection. This approach seeks to leverage external expertise to enhance the system's efficiency and reliability.
Challenges with the FAAN Cashless System
The FAAN cashless system was launched earlier this week at major airports, including Lagos and Abuja. However, its implementation has led to numerous issues, such as:
- Long queues forming at payment points
- Significant delays for travellers attempting to access airport services
- General dissatisfaction among passengers due to the added pressure
These problems prompted the swift intervention from the presidency, highlighting the government's responsiveness to public concerns. The suspension aims to address these operational hiccups before a more robust system is reintroduced.
Minister Keyamo assured that efforts are underway to refine the cashless payment framework, ensuring it aligns with the needs of Nigerian citizens while maintaining modern standards. The focus remains on creating a seamless experience for all airport users without compromising on convenience or efficiency.
