Aviation minister Festus Keyamo has directed the introduction of a hybrid payment system at airport access gates nationwide.

Mr Keyamo issued the directive during a meeting with officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and senior officials of the ministry, according to a statement by his spokesman, Tunde Moshood.

According to him, the directive follows the earlier suspension of the full cashless ‘Access Gate Payment System’ by President Bola Tinubu due to the traffic gridlock it caused.

‎‎‎”The ministry has resolved to engage concessionaires in order to introduce a fully automated or electronic system at all access gates at our airports in order to fully and eventually eliminate cash payments.

‎‎”In the meantime, a hybrid payment system that accommodates both cash and card payments will resume at all airport access gates with effect from Friday.

‎‎”Motorists who already have the FAAN Go Cashless Cards may continue to use them until further notice. Other electronic payment options, including POS terminals and other approved digital channels, will also remain available,” he said.

‎‎He urged the public and road users  to obtain and use the FAAN ‘Go Cashless Card’ as the authority continues to enhance and fully optimise the cashless payment system.

According to him, the directive restores the previous access gate payment arrangement while the ministry continues to work on a fully automated or electronic system. 

(NAN)