NaijaBuzz

Fresh Naija News • Football • Gossip • Entertainment • World Updates

UPDATED: Tinubu suspends airport cashless policy

Naija News • 2h ago
UPDATED: Tinubu suspends airport cashless policy
**Airports Cashless Policy: Tinubu Calls a Halt Amid Travel Disruptions** Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has put on hold the recently introduced cashless payment system at the country's airports. The decision comes on the heels of complaints from air travelers about the chaos caused by the new policy, which has led to gridlock and missed flights at Lagos and Abuja airports. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the suspension after a meeting with the President at the State House in Abuja. According to Keyamo, the directive was prompted by the distressing reports of long queues and flight delays caused by the cashless system. The policy was initially aimed at eliminating corruption and improving revenue collection for the Federal Government by replacing the decades-old practice of cash payments at toll gates and other payment points around airports. However, its implementation has proven to be a disaster, with many travelers missing their flights as a result of the congestion. President Tinubu, known for his empathetic approach, was moved by the plight of the travelers and directed that the system be suspended pending further improvements. In the meantime, the ministry and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) have been instructed to revert to the previous payment arrangement, allowing both cash payments and the use of prepaid FAAN cards. To mitigate the disruption, the government plans to introduce a hybrid system, which will enable cash payments temporarily while officials work on a more efficient electronic solution. The development of this new system will involve collaboration with private sector partners to eliminate the bottlenecks experienced with the current cashless policy. The suspension of the cashless policy at airports is a welcome relief to air travelers who have been adversely affected by the new system. The incident highlights the need for careful planning and consultation before implementing policies that could impact the lives of Nigerians. As the government works towards a more efficient electronic payment platform, it is essential that the interests of citizens are prioritized to avoid similar disruptions in the future.
Source: Original Article. AI-enhanced version.