Traffic Chaos at Airports Sparks Apology from Aviation Minister as Cashless Toll System Takes Effect
The recent rollout of a cashless payment system at airport toll gates across Nigeria has resulted in significant traffic congestion, prompting the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to express his regrets to the public. The minister addressed the ongoing disruptions during an award ceremony in Lagos on Sunday night, revealing that the government is dedicated to enhancing airport operations through this new cashless policy.
Keyamo’s comments came as he received the Minister of the Year award from Silverbird Communications Ltd at Eko Hotels & Suites, where he acknowledged the frustration experienced by motorists and airport users during the transition to the no-cash directive. According to him, the initiative is part of a longstanding law aimed at eliminating cash transactions at toll gates.
“Today we went cashless,” Keyamo stated. “This government’s policy is to put an end to cash collection at our toll gates. While it’s been law for years, we are now fully enforcing it.”
The transition has been anything but smooth, with traffic piling up at airport entrances as many motorists struggled to adapt to the new payment requirements. Keyamo urged drivers to obtain bank-enabled payment cards in advance to facilitate a seamless entry at toll gates, emphasizing that cash payments would no longer be accepted.
“We have repeatedly notified motorists to get their cards before this transition to ensure they don’t face delays,” he explained. “When you arrive at the gate, simply tap your card, and the barrier will open. Those arriving with cash will find themselves stuck, as entry will not be permitted.”
Public cooperation is essential, according to the minister, who stressed that this cashless system will help increase government revenue, reduce corruption, and modernize the country’s airport operations. He suggested that the initial teething problems were natural but would diminish as compliance improves among users.
“Your support is vital for this reform. Please ensure you have the necessary cards before your next trip to the airport,” he urged. As the policy officially took effect on Sunday, traffic delays were confirmed at major airport toll gates, with officials attributing the congestion to last-minute adjustments made by motorists who were not fully prepared for the change.
As the government aims to create a more efficient and transparent system, only time will tell how quickly the public adapts to this significant policy shift. Keyamo remains optimistic that these challenges will ease as more people familiarize themselves with the cashless payment method.
— Reported by Nexio News
