The Digest:
President Bola Tinubu has directed Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo to suspend the cashless payment system recently introduced by FAAN at Lagos and Abuja airports. Keyamo announced the directive while briefing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council meeting, stating the president instructed him to "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 minister said the president directed that a decision be taken quickly, even if it involves the private sector. A hybrid system will operate temporarily, allowing both cardholders and cash users. Keyamo emphasized the suspension is to remove gridlock, not because the president opposes the cashless system itself. The FAAN cashless policy, which commenced this week, had led to long queues and delays for travelers.
Key Points
- The suspension responds directly to public complaints about gridlock and delays.
- The hybrid system (cash + cards) offers immediate relief while a permanent solution is developed.
- Presidential intervention at the highest level signals sensitivity to citizen inconvenience.
- Private sector involvement suggests potential for more robust, tech-driven solutions.
- The move balances digital transformation goals with practical implementation challenges.
Sources: Federal Executive Council Briefing, Premium Times
