Oluwafunbi Bello 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Severe traffic congestion grips Nigeria’s two busiest airports as a nationwide cashless payments policy takes effect, prompting appeals for patience from aviation authorities.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) says long queues form at access roads to Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Sunday, the first day of enforcement.
Thousands of motorists attempt to register for Go-Cashless cards at toll gates, despite weeks of public notices advising early enrolment at designated FAAN offices.
“A significant number of motorists opted to register at the gates despite repeated announcements,” FAAN said in a statement on Sunday.
The authority insists the gridlock results from last-minute registration rather than technical failure, describing the disruption as a predictable challenge during large-scale infrastructure transitions.
The cashless initiative, piloted in Lagos and Abuja since late 2025 in partnership with Paystack, bans cash payments at airport toll gates, car parks and executive lounges. The move aligns with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s broader push towards a digital economy.
In response, FAAN deploys additional staff, expands on-site registration points and strengthens traffic coordination to ease the backlog. Motorists are advised to obtain Go-Cashless cards ahead of travel through FAAN commercial offices, airport gates or partner banks.
“We appeal for patience, understanding and cooperation as we work to stabilise the process,” FAAN says.
Officials maintain that the policy will ultimately deliver faster access, improved transparency and reduced security risks linked to cash handling.
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Hussaini Ibrahim 
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