Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku, has observed a free flow of traffic following the rollout of the hybrid payment system at airport tollgates.
Kuku made the observation during an inspection visit to the tollgate of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. The visit followed an earlier stop at the Abuja airport tollgate where the system had also commenced.
According to her, the hybrid approach allows motorists to pay using FAAN’s gold access cards, cash, or other automated payment options, creating a free flow of vehicles while easing congestion at airport entry points.
Hybrid Payment System Begins Nationwide Implementation
Kuku explained that the rollout followed the directive of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development to introduce flexible payment methods at airport tollgates.
She noted that FAAN had begun implementing the hybrid system simultaneously across locations to ensure motorists can use multiple payment options without delay.
Earlier in the day, she inspected operations at the Abuja airport tollgate and observed that traffic moved smoothly.
“The directive was for us to commence the hybrid approach at all tollgates where motorists can use both the gold cashless cards and cash,” Kuku said.
She added that the initiative has already produced a noticeable free flow of vehicles entering the airports.
For instance, traffic at the Abuja tollgate moved steadily as more users adopted the automated payment methods.
Passenger Awareness Key to Sustaining Free Flow
Meanwhile, the FAAN managing director stressed that public awareness remains essential for sustaining the free flow of vehicles.
She said the authority has intensified enlightenment campaigns to inform passengers and drivers about the available payment options.
According to her, many airport users in Lagos are one-time visitors who may not yet be familiar with the automated system.
“As usual, because of the airport location, we have many one-time users who are still learning the available payment modes,” she explained.
However, she noted that once motorists understand the faster and seamless options available, traffic processing will become even quicker.
The authority believes the education campaign will gradually improve adoption of automated payment methods.
Automation Integration Still Ongoing
Despite the early success recorded with the hybrid approach, Kuku acknowledged that more work is required to achieve full automation of the airport toll access system.
She explained that FAAN is currently working with existing concessionaires to integrate technology that will allow the access gates to operate automatically rather than manually.
According to her, time constraints initially prevented complete system integration before the rollout.
“It is the integration that they didn’t give us time to do with ITS,” she said, referring to Intelligent Transport Systems that support automated access control.
The FAAN chief added that the lessons learned from the early phase of implementation will help guide the next stage of system integration.
When completed, the automation is expected to further enhance free flow traffic at airport entry gates.
The hybrid toll payment system forms part of broader reforms aimed at improving passenger experience and operational efficiency at Nigerian airports.
By allowing multiple payment channels while preparing for full automation, FAAN hopes to reduce delays and simplify access to airport facilities.
Industry observers say the initiative aligns with global best practices promoted by organisations such as the International Air Transport Association, which encourages seamless passenger processing.
With ongoing system integration and sustained public enlightenment, FAAN expects the hybrid system to deliver consistent free flow traffic across airport tollgates nationwide.
