President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate suspension of the cashless payment system recently introduced at Nigerian airports by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

According to Keyamo, the President directed that the system be reviewed to ensure it functions efficiently without causing unnecessary hardship to passengers.

“He directed that we 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 minister said.

Keyamo added that the government would take swift action, including exploring possible partnerships with the private sector, to develop a more seamless solution. In the interim, a hybrid arrangement will be adopted, allowing travelers with payment cards to continue using them, while cash payments will also be accepted for those who prefer that option.

The FAAN cashless policy was rolled out earlier this week at airports in Lagos and Abuja. However, its implementation reportedly led to long queues and delays, prompting the President’s intervention