Chaos at Nigerian airports as FAAN’s cashless payment system causes gridlock

Nigerian airports descended into chaos on Sunday as travellers struggled to enter through access gates under a new cashless payment system.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria introduced mandatory prepaid cards at airport entrances on March 1, resulting in massive traffic jams at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

Passengers missed flights as traffic backed up for kilometres, with many drivers arriving without the required cards and attempting to register on the spot.

FAAN partnered with Paystack to roll out the system, which replaces cash payments at airport tollgates with contactless cards. The authority announced the programme in September 2025, giving motorists five months to register before the launch date.

Why the cashless system collapsed on day one

Despite the advance notice, a large number of motorists showed up on Sunday morning without cards. Registration at the gates created bottlenecks that paralysed traffic flow for hours.

Travellers took to X to share their frustrations. One user advised others to “leave three hours before your flight” due to heavy congestion at the toll gate. Another reported traffic at Abuja airport stretches “from the tollgate to the roundabout near the fuel station,” according to reports by TheCable.

Also read: Nigerian airports to go fully cashless, here is how to get and activate “Go Cashless” card

FAAN acknowledged the gridlock in a statement on Sunday, placing blame on drivers who failed to register in advance. “Despite the wide publicity, notices, and repeated announcements issued ahead of the commencement date, a significant number of motorists opted to register for their Go Cashless cards at the gates this morning,” the authority said.

The agency said this “created pressure on the toll lanes and resulted in temporary gridlock.”

FAAN’s response and what happens next

To address the situation, FAAN deployed additional personnel to the gates, increased registration points to fast-track first-time card issuance, and enhanced on-ground coordination to improve traffic flow.

“FAAN remains deeply empathetic to the inconvenience experienced,” the authority said, appealing for “patience, understanding, and cooperation” as it works to stabilise the process.

Michael Achimugu, director of public affairs at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, described the problems as stemming from non-compliance.

“Today is just a small inconvenience to ensure more seamless passage going forward,” he said.

The cashless system is part of a federal government directive prohibiting ministries, departments, and agencies from collecting physical cash to enforce e-payment compliance and treasury single account regulations.

FAAN maintains that the system will deliver faster processing, improved transparency, reduced cash handling risks, and a more efficient airport environment. The authority urged motorists yet to obtain Go Cashless cards to register before their next airport visit to avoid repeating the chaos of Sunday.

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