The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) rolled out its nationwide cashless policy at all FAAN-managed airports on Sunday, March 1, requiring that all payments for access gates, car parks, and executive lounges be made digitally.
Reports from Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja on Sunday and Monday showed gridlocks at access gates, leaving some passengers stuck for long periods and causing several to miss their flights.
The rollout has drawn sharp reactions from travellers and airport users, highlighting the challenges of adjusting to the new system and raising questions about its readiness and implementation.
The rollout of FAAN’s cashless system has sparked debates around airport efficiency, passenger convenience, and preparedness.
Nigerians on platforms like X and Instagram shared a mix of criticism and praise, highlighting traffic gridlocks, missed flights, and suggestions for smoother implementation.
An X user, Jide Pratt (@CaxtonJP), responded to an X post by FAAN asking for patience over challenges with the new cashless system. He questioned whether the rollout was properly planned, noting that Nigeria’s technology and fintech infrastructure may not yet be fully ready to support such a nationwide transition.
“Your insistence on new but difficult needs to be studied. The level of technology/fintech in this nation makes one wonder whether this was really thought through for ease, adaptability,scale and sustainability. Sadly I do not think so, especially as your MD has lead card sales”
