By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Managing Director of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku, on Friday inspected the rollout of a hybrid toll payment system at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The system combines automated card payments with limited cash options to ease traffic congestion and improve revenue collection after earlier cashless payment challenges.
FAAN Introduces Hybrid Toll Payment System
The hybrid payment system forms part of FAAN’s effort to modernise airport access gates. It also aims to improve traffic flow and expand digital payment options for travellers.
Earlier, FAAN introduced a fully cashless toll system on March 1, 2026. However, the rollout caused heavy traffic gridlock at airport gates.
Consequently, Bola Tinubu ordered a temporary suspension of the strict cashless policy.
Authorities then adopted a hybrid payment model to address the situation while maintaining revenue collection.
Inspection Conducted in Abuja and Lagos
Kuku first inspected the hybrid system at the Abuja airport tollgate. Officials then deployed the system for use immediately after the inspection.
Later, she visited the Lagos airport tollgate to review the implementation process.
According to her, the visit followed a directive from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
The directive requires the hybrid payment approach across airport tollgates nationwide.
How the Hybrid Payment System Works
The new system allows travellers to pay through the automated “Gold Card” cashless method.
However, airport users can still pay cash or use other payment channels during the transition period.
Kuku explained that the Abuja rollout recorded smooth traffic movement during the morning exercise.
Public awareness campaigns also helped travellers understand the automated payment process.
Lagos Airport Requires More Public Sensitisation
Traffic also moved smoothly at the Lagos airport tollgate during the inspection.
Nevertheless, Kuku said more sensitisation remains necessary.
According to her, Lagos airport receives many first-time or occasional travellers. As a result, some users still struggle to understand the available payment options.
She added that FAAN will continue educating passengers on faster and seamless automated payments.
FAAN Plans Full Automation of Toll Collection
Kuku said the authority will further integrate the payment system with concessionaires managing toll infrastructure.
Lessons from the current rollout will guide the final implementation process.
Meanwhile, Keyamo insisted the hybrid model remains temporary.
According to him, the government will soon transition to a fully automated and cashless system.
Keyamo Insists on Fully Cashless System
Speaking during his visit to the Abuja airport, Keyamo criticised the long-standing cash collection system.
He said manual toll payments encourage corruption within the system.
Therefore, the government plans to eliminate cash payments at all federal agencies.
Keyamo also revealed that President Tinubu set a deadline for full cashless implementation.
He stressed that the government will maintain the hybrid system only for a short transition period.
Government Maintains Revenue While Easing Traffic
Keyamo explained that the hybrid model serves two immediate purposes.
First, it ensures continued revenue collection at airport tollgates.
Second, it reduces traffic congestion caused by the earlier cashless rollout.
Travellers who already purchased automated cards can continue using them.
However, limited cash payments remain available for users unfamiliar with the system.
He emphasised that the federal government will not abandon the cashless policy.
Conclusion
The hybrid payment system represents a temporary solution to tollgate congestion at Nigeria’s major airports. Authorities aim to stabilise traffic flow while preparing for a fully digital and cashless payment system nationwide.
