The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has appealed to airport users for patience and cooperation following the commencement of its ‘Go Cashless’ programme at major airports in Lagos and Abuja.
The policy, which took effect on March 1, applies to the access gates of Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. FAAN disclosed the development via its official X handle on Sunday in Lagos.
According to the authority, the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s directive promoting cashless transactions across public institutions. However, it acknowledged that the rollout led to traffic congestion at airport access gates on the first day of implementation.
FAAN explained that despite extensive publicity, notices, and repeated announcements ahead of the launch date, many motorists chose to register for their Go Cashless cards at the gates on March 1. This, it said, placed unexpected pressure on toll lanes and resulted in temporary gridlock.
“We appreciate motorists and airport users for their understanding,” the statement read. “In spite of 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 on March 1. This understandably created pressure on the toll lanes and resulted in temporary gridlock.”
The authority noted that while some adjustment challenges were anticipated with the transition to a new system, adequate notice had been given to encourage early registration and minimise congestion on the first day.
To address the situation, FAAN said it has deployed additional personnel to access gates, increased the number of registration points, and strengthened on-ground coordination to improve traffic flow.
The agency reiterated its commitment to stabilising and streamlining the process, urging the public to remain patient and cooperative as the new system is fully implemented.
