By: Adekunle Oluwafunmilayo
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the suspension of the cashless payment system at airport toll gates across the country following widespread gridlock that disrupted access to major airports.
According to Onanuga, the decision was taken after reports indicated that the electronic toll payment system had caused severe traffic congestion at airport entry points, resulting in several passengers missing their scheduled flights.
The presidential aide noted that the suspension would remain in place while the Federal Government reviews the operational challenges associated with the system and works toward a more efficient solution.
President Tinubu, he added, has directed that private sector participation be explored in the management of the electronic toll collection system. Under the proposed arrangement, competent private companies would be consulted to handle electronic toll collection on behalf of the government for an agreed commission.
The move, according to the presidency, is aimed at improving efficiency, reducing traffic congestion around airport access roads, and ensuring smoother movement for travellers and other road users.
The development comes amid growing complaints from motorists and air travellers who had earlier expressed frustration over delays and long queues linked to the implementation of the cashless toll payment system at airport gates nationwide.
