The tollgate is the main access route to both the domestic and international terminals, so the impact was immediate. Hundreds of motorists and air travellers were stuck. Some drivers spent nearly 20 minutes covering a stretch that normally takes less than a minute.

A few passengers abandoned their cars and jumped on motorcycles to avoid missing flights, even though motorcycles are banned in the area. Arguments broke out between motorists and toll officials over failed transfers and delayed payment confirmations. Some drivers accused FAAN of poor publicity and a lack of preparation. FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, defended the move. He said the policy aligns with the Federal Government’s push for a cashless economy and is meant to block leakages, curb extortion, and improve revenue. He denied claims of poor awareness and blamed some users for waiting until the last minute. This is not FAAN’s first digital shift. The goal may be transparency, but execution matters.

With heavy traffic, frustrated motorists, and passengers resorting to alternative transport, the rollout of the cashless policy has sparked mixed reactions. Some see it as a step toward a cashless economy, while others view it as poorly timed and disruptive. The public will ultimately decide whether the policy is a necessary reform or a source of unnecessary chaos.