Keyamo Inspects Abuja Airport as FG Retains Hybrid System for Cashless Access

Oru Leonard 

Abuja, Nigeria — The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Friday visited the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to monitor the implementation of the Federal Government’s new hybrid payment system for airport access, part of the transition toward a fully cashless policy.

Speaking during the inspection, the minister said traffic around the airport gate was flowing more smoothly following the introduction of the temporary hybrid system, which allows both electronic card payments and limited cash payments.

Keyamo explained that the adjustment followed the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend the strict enforcement of the cashless policy after initial implementation challenges.

According to him, the hybrid arrangement will only last for a short period as the government moves decisively toward a fully automated, cashless payment system.
“First of all, I have observed that traffic is flowing freely because of the hybrid system we have adopted,” Keyamo said. “For those who already bought the cards, they can continue to use them, and the money goes directly into the Treasury Single Account.”
He stressed that the Federal Government has no intention of abandoning the cashless system, noting that a directive already exists prohibiting federal agencies from collecting cash.
“Look, there is no going back on the cashless system. For those who think they can frustrate it because they prefer the cash collection system, we have passed that stage,” the minister stated.
Keyamo disclosed that he was given a deadline by the President to ensure the aviation sector moves completely to electronic payment systems. He added that the directive has compelled him to personally oversee the process.
“The moment Mr. President has pushed me, I will also push those under me. That is why I am here today to take full charge and monitor the implementation,” he said.

To support the transition, the ministry is considering the involvement of concessionaires to install fully automated electronic toll infrastructure at the airport gates. The proposed system will include designated lay-over points and detours for motorists who are unable to complete payments before approaching the entry barrier.
Keyamo noted that the absence of such infrastructure had previously contributed to congestion at the airport entrance.

He further explained that incentives may be introduced to encourage motorists to adopt the electronic card system, including making card payments cheaper than cash payments.

The minister also warned that the long-standing practice of collecting cash at airport entry points, which he said had persisted for decades, would be discontinued due to its vulnerability to corruption.
“It breeds corruption for us to continue collecting cash. I will not allow it to continue,” he declared.

As part of broader reforms, Keyamo revealed that the government is also addressing the issue of widespread VIP exemptions at airport toll points, which he said significantly reduces revenue.
“When the system becomes fully automated, there will be no need for VIP waivers. Whether you are a big man or not, you will pay the machine,” he said.
The minister assured that a nationwide sensitisation campaign would soon be launched to educate Nigerians on the new system and ensure smoother adoption before the final transition to a completely cashless regime.

The Abuja airport, alongside Lagos, remains one of Nigeria’s busiest aviation hubs, making it a priority location for the rollout of the new automated payment infrastructure.