Tinubu suspends e-ticket system at major airports over gridlock, passenger hardship

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate suspension of the electronic ticketing system recently introduced at major airport entry gates across Nigeria, citing the severe difficulties experienced by travellers.

The decision was announced on Wednesday by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, while briefing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by the president at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Mr Keyamo said the president was deeply concerned about the gridlock and operational disruptions that followed the rollout of the e-ticket platform, particularly at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. According to him, the congestion at airport gates led to long queues, confusion, and in some cases, passengers missing their flights.

“The President ordered the stoppage because of the challenges and gridlock created by the introduction of the e-ticket system,” Keyamo stated. “It is not as if Mr. President is happy with the cash collection system, but he is being compassionate with travellers who are facing difficulties at Abuja and Lagos airports.”

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The minister acknowledged that the manual cash collection system, which has been in operation for over 50 years, had encouraged corrupt practices and revenue leakages. However, he admitted that the transition to a fully electronic platform was not properly executed, leading to widespread complaints and public frustration.

He assured that the suspension would be temporary, stressing that the ministry would immediately return to the drawing board to perfect the system. “It should not take too long,” he said, adding that the government would seek private sector support to develop a more efficient and seamless collection process.

Keyamo further disclosed that a hybrid model could be introduced to accommodate users who already possess Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) cards, allowing them to continue using their existing cards under the revised arrangement.

In addition, the ministry is considering engaging private operators to manage the collection framework, with commissions to be paid under the new structure. He said consultations with stakeholders in the private sector would begin promptly, with the aim of reporting back to the president soon.

The introduction of the e-ticket system had earlier generated public outcry, as travellers complained of untold hardship and delays that disrupted flight schedules across key airports.