On March 1, 2026, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) implemented a cashless toll payment system at major airports in Lagos and Abuja, which provoked chaos and heavy traffic congestion right from the start. The policy prohibits cash payments at toll gates, mandating that motorists use prepaid access cards or electronic payment methods. This sudden shift disrupted normal operations, leaving many travelers stranded for hours as they scrambled to comply with the new payment requirements.

At Lagos's Murtala Muhammed International Airport, vehicles are reported to have queued for long stretches, creating gridlock that extended back into the city. Many motorists, caught off guard by the new rules, struggled to obtain the necessary prepaid cards, leading to frustration and confusion for both drivers and passengers. Reports of missed flights and delayed pickups were rampant, highlighting the immediate impact of the policy on travelers who were unprepared for the enforcement of the cashless system.

The chaotic scenes at both airports raise concerns about the effectiveness of the rollout and the adequacy of public communication regarding this significant policy change. As more drivers and passengers grappled with the unexpected transition, calls for better planning and clearer information became urgent, emphasizing the need for FAAN to consider smoother implementation strategies to avoid similar disruptions in the future.