Lagos Airport Cashless Policy Causes Gridlock Chaos

Motorists faced severe gridlock at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport Lagos tollgate on Monday, as the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) commenced its new cashless policy, which mandates electronic payments for airport access.

The new directive, which came into effect on 1st March 2026, stipulates that cash payments are no longer accepted at airport toll gates. Instead, motorists are now required to utilise prepaid access cards or other electronic payment channels for entry and exit.

Concerns Over Policy Implementation

The introduction of this cashless policy has not been without its critics. Some individuals have voiced strong opposition, arguing that the new system encourages excessive bureaucracy and creates unnecessary bottlenecks for commuters attempting to access the airport.

The images below depict the extensive traffic congestion experienced at the airport tollgate on Monday, highlighting the immediate impact of the policy's implementation.