In a significant move to overhaul airport operations, the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has officially ordered the removal of VIP privileges at airport access gates. This directive comes as the government doubles down on its cashless and hybrid payment policy, aimed at ensuring that every traveler contributes to the revenue generated at these entry points.
While visiting the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Friday, Keyamo expressed frustration with the culture of entitlement that has historically drained airport earnings. He noted that a large portion of potential revenue is lost to individuals claiming special status. In a city like Abuja, where many people carry titles and official government designations, the Minister made it clear that “being a big man” would no longer exempt anyone from paying access fees.
The push for a fully cashless system is backed by a direct mandate from President Bola Tinubu. Keyamo revealed that the President has set a strict deadline for the ministry to eliminate cash transactions at airport gates. This pressure from the top has prompted the Minister to take a more hands-on approach, moving beyond delegating the task to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria to personally overseeing the transition.
The Minister’s stance is firm, signaling that his own professional reputation and position are on the line. He warned that the era of leaving implementation to chance is over, stating that he is taking full responsibility for the success of the hybrid system. He also hinted that those under his supervision would be held to the same high standards of accountability, as the government seeks to modernize the aviation sector’s financial processes.
This development follows an earlier attempt to launch the cashless policy on March 1, 2026, which was temporarily suspended by the President due to heavy traffic congestion at airport entrances. Now that the system is being refined and reintroduced, the focus has shifted to efficiency and fairness, ensuring that the rules apply to everyone regardless of their social or political standing.
