Chaos at Lagos, Abuja Airports as FAAN’s Cashless Policy Triggers Gridlock, Missed Flights

Passengers and motorists faced hours of chaos and heavy gridlock at Lagos and Abuja airports on Sunday as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) commenced its cashless toll payment policy. The new system, effective March 1, bars cash payments at airport toll gates, requiring motorists to use prepaid access cards or electronic channels.

Long queues stretched from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport toward Oshodi, with similar scenes at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport where frustrated travellers complained of missed flights and delayed pickups. Many motorists arrived unaware of the full enforcement and were turned back to obtain prepaid cards, with the rush to register on the spot significantly slowing traffic.

FAAN Director of Public Affairs Henry Agbebire attributed the congestion to last-minute compliance, noting the policy was widely publicized. The cards are free but require a minimum load of N1,000-N2,000, with a N500 maintenance charge deducted upon loading.

Key Points

The chaotic rollout highlights the gap between policy announcement and public preparedness.
Missed flights and lengthy delays impose real costs on citizens despite the policy’s good intentions.
The last-minute compliance rush suggests inadequate sensitization or public skepticism about enforcement.
The N500 maintenance charge may be an unexpected cost for infrequent airport users.
The policy’s long-term goal of blocking revenue leakages may be undermined by short-term public frustration.

FAAN’s cashless policy launch descended into chaos as inadequate public awareness and last-minute compliance created unprecedented gridlock, leaving travelers stranded and questioning the authority’s implementation strategy.

Sources: FAAN Statement, Eyewitness Accounts