Hybrid Airport Payment System Approved as Nigeria Moves to Ease Traffic Gridlock!

Reported by Musa Antiketu (Journalist) | Sele Media Africa

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has approved the introduction of a hybrid payment system at the country’s airports, allowing motorists to pay access fees using both cash and electronic methods. The decision follows widespread traffic congestion linked to the earlier implementation of a cashless only payment policy at airport toll gates.
The development comes after severe gridlock was recorded around the access roads to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and other major airport facilities, where motorists experienced long delays due to difficulties with electronic payment channels. Travelers and airport users had raised concerns that exclusive reliance on card and digital payments slowed vehicle processing and created bottlenecks at entry points.
According to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the newly approved hybrid system will allow motorists to pay airport access charges using cash, debit cards, or other digital payment platforms. Officials say the move is intended to restore smooth traffic flow while maintaining ongoing efforts to modernize airport operations.
Minister Keyamo acknowledged that while the shift toward cashless transactions remains part of the government’s long term modernization plan, operational realities at busy transport hubs require flexibility. By reintroducing cash payments alongside electronic options, authorities aim to reduce delays and improve the overall passenger and vehicular experience at airport terminals.
Industry observers note that Nigeria’s push for digital payment systems aligns with broader national financial inclusion and cashless policy initiatives championed by the Central Bank of Nigeria. However, experts also warn that infrastructure limitations such as unstable networks and insufficient payment terminals can undermine the effectiveness of fully digital systems in high traffic environments.
Airport users and transport operators have largely welcomed the policy adjustment, describing it as a practical response to operational challenges encountered during the initial rollout of the cashless system. Aviation analysts say the hybrid approach could serve as a transitional model while authorities strengthen digital infrastructure and streamline payment technologies across Nigeria’s airports.
The Ministry has indicated that airport management authorities, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, will oversee the implementation of the revised payment framework to ensure efficiency and transparency in the collection of access fees.
Nigeria operates several international and domestic airports, with the Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport among the busiest. Efficient access systems at these facilities are considered critical to maintaining smooth travel operations and supporting the country’s growing aviation sector.
The hybrid payment model is expected to take effect immediately at affected airport toll gates, with authorities promising continuous monitoring to ensure that the adjustments effectively resolve the traffic congestion issues.

Sources: Reuters, Channels Television, Premium Times, The Punch, Daily Trust

Antiketu Musa

Musa Antiketu is a journalist with Sele Media Africa from Kogi State, Nigeria, driven by a deep commitment to truth and integrity in reporting. She is passionate about crafting compelling narratives on current affairs, sports, and trending international news, bringing clarity and insight to complex issues. Currently pursuing a degree in History and International Studies at Prince Abubakar Audu University, she combines strong research ability with effective communication skills to produce engaging, impactful content that advances organizational goals while fostering her continuous professional growth.

www.selemedia.org