Federal Govt Engages Concessionaires To Automate Airport Access Gate Payments

Following the earlier suspension of the full cashless access gate payment system by President Bola Tinubu after it triggered severe traffic congestion at airport entry points, the Federal Government has announced plans to introduce a fully automated electronic payment system at airport access gates nationwide.

The minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this on Tuesday, noting that the government will engage concessionaires to deploy a more efficient and seamless automated payment infrastructure across the country’s airports.

In a statement issued by the minister’s special adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the planned concession is expected to fully automate the access gate payment system and eventually eliminate cash transactions.

According to the minister, while the concession process is underway, the government has approved the temporary reintroduction of a hybrid payment system that allows both cash and electronic payments at the airport access gate

“After reviewing the initial implementation and the operational challenges observed, the Ministry has resolved to engage concessionaires to introduce a fully automated or electronic system at all access gates at our airports in order to fully and eventually eliminate cash payments,” the statement said.

“In the meantime, a hybrid payment system that accommodates both cash and card payments will resume at all airport access gates with effect from Friday, March 13, 2026. Motorists who already possess FAAN Go Cashless Cards may continue to use them until further notice.”

The minister also urged road users and airport visitors to obtain and use the FAAN Go Cashless Card as the authority continues to enhance and optimise the electronic payment system.

Other digital payment channels, including POS terminals and approved electronic platforms, will remain operational during the transition period.

“This directive restores the previous access gate payment arrangement while the Ministry continues to work on the fully automated or electronic system,” the minister added.

The earlier introduction of a strict cashless payment system at airport entry gates sparked widespread complaints from motorists, leading to long queues and traffic gridlock around some airports.