Keyamo Reaffirms No Reversal of Airport Cashless Policy, Sets Strict Deadline
Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo has firmly reiterated that Nigeria's airports will transition completely to a cashless payment system, stating the federal government has no intention of reversing this policy despite the current temporary use of a hybrid arrangement. The minister made these declarations during an on-the-spot inspection and assessment of the hybrid payment system at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport tollgate in Abuja, emphasizing the government's unwavering commitment to digitalization.
Hybrid System as a Temporary Measure
Keyamo explained that the existing hybrid system, which permits both cash and electronic payments, is merely an interim solution while authorities prepare to migrate to a fully automated and cashless platform. He stressed that the ultimate objective of the government is to completely eliminate cash transactions at all airport revenue collection points, directing the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to ensure that digital payment methods are made more cost-effective than cash transactions to incentivize widespread adoption among travelers and users.
Alignment with Federal Government Directive
According to the minister, this policy is in strict alignment with a federal government directive that mandates all government agencies to cease the collection of physical cash. "There is no going back on the cashless system," Keyamo asserted. "For those who think they can frustrate the cashless system because they prefer the traditional cash collection method, we have passed that stage." He added, "In fact, there is a federal government directive on it saying that no federal agency should ever collect cash. So we have very limited time to do this hybrid system."
Presidential Deadline for Implementation
The minister further disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued him a strict and non-negotiable deadline to implement the fully cashless system across all Nigerian airports. "We are going to go cashless. In fact, at the last Federal Executive Council meeting, Mr. President gave me a deadline. He was very clear that I have a deadline," Keyamo revealed. He continued, "He said, Minister of Aviation, you have a deadline to go fully cashless and the moment Mr. President pushes me, I will also push those under me."
Accountability and Oversight
Keyamo issued a stern warning that officials responsible for executing the policy would be held accountable if there are any delays in the transition. "Before Mr. President sacks me, I will sack other people too," he cautioned, underscoring the seriousness of the mandate. The minister noted that while FAAN had previously been tasked with implementing the payment system, he has now assumed direct oversight and control of the entire process. "Before now, I left implementation fully to FAAN and the nitty-gritties were worked out by FAAN, but as the Minister, I take full responsibility and I have to take full control," he stated.
Conclusion on Temporary Hybrid Arrangement
In conclusion, Keyamo stressed that the hybrid system currently operational at the airport will only remain in place temporarily as the government progresses towards establishing a completely digital payment framework across all airport facilities in Nigeria. This move is part of broader efforts to enhance efficiency, transparency, and modernization in the aviation sector, aligning with global best practices and federal directives aimed at reducing cash-based transactions in government operations.
