THE Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has urged motorists and airport users to remain patient following significant traffic congestion recorded at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on the first day of its nationwide Go Cashless programme.

In a statement posted on its official X handle on Sunday, FAAN attributed the gridlock to a surge of drivers attempting to register for the newly introduced Go-Cashless cards directly at the toll gates, despite prior notices encouraging early registration at designated offices.

The authority said the initiative officially commenced full operations at both airports in line with the Federal Government’s cashless policy. Although it acknowledged the traffic build-up at the access gates, FAAN noted that extensive publicity and repeated announcements had been issued before the rollout date, but many motorists still opted to process their registration at the point of entry.

Describing the delays as temporary teething challenges common with major system transitions, FAAN said it had already taken corrective steps. These include deploying additional staff, expanding registration centres, and strengthening on-ground coordination to ease congestion and restore smoother traffic flow.

The Go Cashless initiative eliminates cash transactions at airport access gates, car parks and executive lounges. It aligns with the digital payment drive spearheaded by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to promote electronic transactions across the country.

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First piloted in late 2025 in Lagos and Abuja in partnership with Paystack, the programme is aimed at accelerating processing times, enhancing transparency, improving operational efficiency, and reducing risks associated with cash handling.

FAAN advised motorists to obtain their Go-Cashless cards from its commercial offices, access gates, or participating bank branches ahead of future visits to the airports. The authority assured the public that ongoing monitoring and necessary adjustments would ensure smoother operations in the coming days.

Reiterating its commitment to delivering a safe, efficient and world-class airport experience, FAAN appealed for continued patience, understanding and cooperation as the system stabilises.