In response to the implementation of the Federal Government’s cashless policy at airport tollgates, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has distributed more than 100,000 access cards to motorists. FAAN's Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, announced that a staggering 62,000 cards were issued in just three days following the policy's enforcement. The rapid rollout aimed to facilitate a smoother transition to cashless transactions at Nigerian airports, addressing both convenience and security concerns.

However, the initial enforcement of this cashless regime on March 1 faced significant backlash, as motorists experienced severe gridlock and confusion at entry points. The chaotic scenes were characterized by long vehicle queues and passengers struggling to access their flights, highlighting the challenges of implementing such policies without adequate foresight and planning. These complications motivated President Bola Tinubu to order that all airport gates be opened temporarily, allowing motorists free access for a period of five days while the situation was addressed.

This incident underscores the complexities involved in transitioning to a cashless system within Nigeria's infrastructure, particularly in high-traffic environments like airports. As governmental policies push for modernization and efficiency, this event acts as a reminder of the need for thorough logistical planning and public communication to avoid disruption during such significant shifts.