Tinubu Suspends Cashless Payment System at Nigerian Airports
President Bola Tinubu has directed Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo to suspend the cashless payment system recently implemented by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) at major airports, including those in Lagos and Abuja.
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The decision comes in response to widespread complaints from travelers who reported long queues and delays caused by the new system. Reflecting on the situation, Keyamo stated that the president emphasized the importance of revisiting the approach, saying, “go back to the drawing board, suspend the present system and perfect a system that will work perfectly without putting unnecessary pressure on citizens.”
The cashless payment initiative was initially introduced by FAAN with the aim of combatting corruption and enhancing revenue collection for the Federal Government, effectively replacing a decades-old cash transaction system. However, the transition has not been smooth, leading to significant dissatisfaction among passengers.
Keyamo reassured the public that the suspension should not be misconstrued as a permanent return to cash transactions. He clarified that it represents a temporary measure designed to alleviate the current challenges faced by travelers while ensuring that a more efficient system is developed for the future.
This move highlights the government’s responsiveness to public outcry, reflecting an understanding that while modernization is crucial, it must also consider the user experience. As officials work on a revamped payment solution, both travelers and airport staff await updates on the new framework intended to ensure smoother operations.
Travelers in Nigeria, already grappling with myriad challenges in air travel, hope that the government’s swift action leads to a more user-friendly solution that enhances the overall experience at the country’s major airports.
By Omer Aden
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
