By Ayo Kehinde
President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, directed the immediate suspension of the cashless payment system recently introduced at airports across Nigeria, following widespread complaints of gridlock and inconvenience.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this to State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, presided over by President Tinubu at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Keyamo said the President acted out of concern for the welfare of Nigerians, emphasising that the cashless system, while aimed at eliminating corruption and optimising federal revenue, had inadvertently caused widespread hardship.
He explained that the new system, implemented less than two weeks ago, had led to long delays, missed flights, and general disruption for passengers.
“With the introduction of the cashless system, it has created a lot of gridlock across the country. Mr President was very concerned about the welfare of Nigerians and the fact that most Nigerians were losing or missing their flights”, Keyamo said.
The minister added that the President instructed the ministry to revert to the previous payment system while a more efficient method is developed. He noted that private sector engagement will be sought to create an electronic system that collects payments without causing delays or congestion.
“The President directed that this should not take too long and that we should report back as soon as possible. We should go back to the drawing board and, if possible, engage the private sector to ensure we establish an electronic system at the gates that is efficient and stress-free for travellers”, Keyamo said.
The aviation ministry is now tasked with perfecting the cashless system to achieve its goals of reducing corruption and enhancing revenue collection, while ensuring the convenience and welfare of the travelling public.
