FAAN Officials Abandon Lagos Airport Tollgate Following Tinubu’s Directive

Officials Leave Murtala Muhammed International Airport Tollgate After Policy Suspension

Officials from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) have left the access tollgate at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, just hours after President Bola Tinubu ordered the suspension of the airport’s cashless policy. This move has led to a sudden shift in operations at one of the busiest points in the country.

A motorist who passed through the tollgate shortly after the announcement noted that no FAAN personnel were present on the ground. Additionally, barricades at the toll point had been removed, allowing vehicles to enter and exit without any payment or checks. The motorist expressed surprise, stating:

“I’m surprised I passed through the tollgate about 20 minutes ago and no single official of FAAN was on ground. I guess they are restrategising.”

This development came after the Federal Government decided to halt the recently introduced cashless regime at airport tollgates. The policy had caused confusion and traffic gridlock at major airports, especially in Lagos and Abuja. Eyewitnesses reported that the absence of officials at MMIA created a free flow of traffic at the usually busy tollgate, which was a stark contrast to the long queues that had formed earlier when the policy was being enforced.

As of the time of this report, FAAN had not issued an official statement clarifying the operational directives at the MMIA access gate following the suspension order. However, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, confirmed the President’s directive during a briefing for state house correspondents after a federal executive council meeting.

Keyamo explained that President Tinubu was deeply concerned about the welfare of Nigerians, particularly those who were missing their flights due to the new policy. He said:

“Mr. President was very concerned about the welfare of Nigerians and the fact that most Nigerians were missing their flights. So Mr. President, out of empathy, directed today that we should suspend the present system because it creates a lot of gridlock and Nigerians are suffering as a result of it.”

He added that the President instructed the ministry and FAAN to revert temporarily to the previous payment arrangement while officials work on a more efficient electronic solution. This decision reflects the government’s responsiveness to public concerns and its commitment to improving the travel experience for Nigerians.

Impact of the Cashless Policy

The introduction of the cashless policy at airport tollgates had several unintended consequences. It disrupted the usual flow of traffic, leading to long queues and delays for travelers. Many motorists found themselves unable to proceed without cash, while others faced technical issues with the electronic payment systems. These challenges highlighted the need for a more seamless and user-friendly approach to airport toll management.

The sudden removal of FAAN personnel and the open tollgate have raised questions about the transition period. While some see it as a positive step toward easing congestion, others worry about potential security risks. The lack of clear communication from FAAN has only added to the uncertainty surrounding the future of toll operations at MMIA.

Next Steps

With the temporary return to the previous payment system, authorities are expected to evaluate the current setup and explore ways to implement a more effective solution. This may involve upgrading the electronic payment infrastructure, increasing staff presence, or introducing alternative payment methods that cater to all travelers.

For now, the situation at MMIA remains fluid, with no official updates from FAAN. Travelers are advised to stay informed about any changes in procedures and to plan accordingly. As the government works to address the challenges posed by the cashless policy, the focus will likely remain on ensuring smooth and efficient operations at the nation’s key airports.