The introduction of the Cashless Payment System at the entrance gates of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja triggered widespread confusion and prolonged traffic congestion over the weekend, leaving passengers stranded and motorists frustrated.
What was intended to modernise access control and align with the Federal Government’s cashless policy instead resulted in hours of gridlock, as many drivers arrived at the airport unaware that physical cash would no longer be accepted for entry.
Without the newly mandated Go Cashless card, motorists were either denied access or directed to registration points, further compounding the bottleneck at the gates.
Although the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had previously announced plans to automate toll payments, several drivers claimed they did not realise the policy would be enforced strictly at the main entrance.
The immediate rollout of the Cashless Payment System meant that anyone without a registered card was unable to pass through the toll barriers.
Some motorists described the situation as chaotic, noting that traffic quickly spilled onto adjoining roads leading to the airport.
Commercial drivers, ride-hailing operators, and private vehicle owners were all affected.
For passengers racing to catch domestic and international flights, the delays created anxiety and, in some cases, missed departures.
A driver criticised what he described as a rushed implementation.
He pointed out that not all Nigerians possess debit cards compatible with the system and argued that alternative digital options should have been widely tested before enforcement began.
In a statement shared across its official communication channels, FAAN apologised for the disruption and explained that the Cashless Payment System was part of a broader reform initiative designed to modernise airport operations.
The Authority maintained that public awareness campaigns had been ongoing since 2025, including radio announcements, online notices, and physical banners within airport premises.
According to FAAN, a significant number of motorists chose to wait until the first day of enforcement to obtain their Go Cashless cards, resulting in last-minute registrations at the gates.
This surge, the Authority said, placed unexpected pressure on toll lanes and temporarily slowed vehicle movement.
The airport management body emphasised that the long-term benefits of the new system include faster processing times, improved financial transparency, reduced cash handling risks, and enhanced security monitoring.
Officials argued that digitising toll payments would minimise leakages and ensure accountability in revenue collection.
As traffic congestion persisted into the following day, FAAN announced additional steps to stabilise operations.
Extra personnel were deployed to manage vehicle queues and provide guidance to confused drivers.
Temporary registration desks were also expanded to speed up the issuance of Go Cashless cards.
Ground marshals were positioned along access roads to redirect vehicles and prevent further blockage of adjoining highways.
FAAN assured the public that adjustments were being made in real time to fine-tune the process and reduce waiting times.
Airport authorities further appealed to motorists to register ahead of future visits and to arrive earlier than usual during the transition period.
They reiterated that the Cashless Payment System is intended to create a more efficient and world-class airport environment once initial teething problems are resolved.
While many motorists expressed frustration, some travellers acknowledged that digital payment systems are becoming standard practice globally.
A few passengers noted that similar toll automation exists in other major airports and argued that resistance often accompanies technological change.
However, critics insisted that implementation strategy is crucial. They suggested that a grace period, during which both cash and electronic payments were accepted, might have eased the transition.
Others recommended stronger public communication campaigns beyond social media to reach drivers who may not regularly access digital platforms.
For ride-hailing drivers and commercial transport operators, the unexpected delay translated into lost income and strained customer relationships.
Some reported cancelling multiple trips due to prolonged queues at the entrance.
The controversy surrounding the Cashless Payment System highlights the challenges of digital transformation within public infrastructure.
While automation promises efficiency and accountability, success depends heavily on public readiness, infrastructure reliability, and effective stakeholder engagement.
Industry observers believe the situation at Abuja airport may serve as a learning experience for future reforms across other Nigerian airports.
With proper adjustments and sustained communication, the system could eventually reduce congestion rather than cause it.
For now, FAAN maintains that the reform will continue as planned.
The Authority has urged patience and cooperation from all airport users, stressing that short-term inconvenience is part of broader institutional change.
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