FAAN Responds to Tollgate Chaos with 100,000 Airport Entry Cards
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has issued more than 100,000 airport access cards to motorists across the country following the traffic crisis triggered by the rollout of a cashless toll payment system at major Nigerian airports.
The move is part of urgent efforts to restore order and streamline entry into airport premises after motorists and passengers were caught in massive gridlocks during the early days of the policy’s enforcement.
FAAN’s Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku, revealed that the rush for access cards intensified immediately after the new toll system took effect. According to her, over 62,000 cards were issued within the first three days as drivers hurried to obtain the permits required for seamless entry through the automated gates.
The cashless toll initiative was introduced to modernise toll collection, reduce reliance on physical cash and improve traffic management around airport entry points. However, the transition exposed gaps in public readiness, as many drivers arrived at the gates without registered access cards or digital payment options.
The result was widespread congestion at key airports, particularly in Lagos and Abuja, where long lines of vehicles stretched for hours. Several travellers reportedly struggled to reach departure terminals on time, sparking frustration among passengers and airport users.
The situation prompted swift intervention from Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who directed that airport tollgates be temporarily opened to allow vehicles free access while authorities reviewed the implementation of the new system.
Following the directive, barriers were lifted at several airport entry points and toll collection was suspended, easing the traffic pressure that had paralysed access roads during the initial rollout.
Kuku acknowledged that although FAAN had conducted awareness campaigns prior to the launch, the speed of enforcement caught many motorists unprepared. She noted that traffic conditions began to improve as more drivers registered and obtained access cards.
According to FAAN, the broader goal of the reform is to introduce a more efficient, secure and technology-driven entry process at Nigerian airports while improving passenger experience and traffic flow.
Authorities say the cashless toll system will be reintroduced once operational challenges are resolved and a larger number of airport users are fully integrated into the access card programme
