Aviation minister introduces temporary hybrid system but warns FAAN and airport operators that the transition to fully digital payments is inevitable…..
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has declared that the Federal Government will not reverse its plan to enforce a fully cashless payment system across the nation’s major airports, revealing that Bola Ahmed Tinubu has already set a deadline for the transition.
Keyamo made the remarks on Friday during an inspection visit to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where authorities are testing a temporary hybrid payment system introduced to address challenges that emerged after the initial rollout of the cashless policy.
The hybrid arrangement allows travellers to use both cash and electronic payment options while the government works toward fully implementing the digital system.
Temporary Measure Before Full Digital Transition
Speaking during the on-the-spot assessment, Keyamo explained that the hybrid model was introduced to balance two immediate priorities: ensuring revenue collection and reducing traffic congestion at airport entry points.
According to him, travellers who already purchased the airport’s cashless “gold cards” will continue to use them for payments, with the funds going directly into the government’s Treasury Single Account (TSA).
However, a limited number of users who are yet to adopt the new system will still be allowed to pay with cash during the transition period.
“We decided to return to the drawing board to see what we can do for now first, to ensure we continue collecting revenue, and secondly to ease the traffic,” Keyamo said.
“For those who have already purchased the cards, they can go straight through using the system. But for those who are not yet used to it, we are allowing a minimal number of cash payments until we fully migrate.”
Despite the temporary flexibility, the minister stressed that the final destination remains a fully cashless system across all Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria facilities.
“There is no going back on the cashless system,” he said.
Tinubu Sets Deadline for Full Implementation
Keyamo disclosed that the directive for a full transition came directly from President Tinubu during a recent Federal Executive Council meeting.
According to the minister, the president made it clear that all federal agencies must stop collecting physical cash.
“At the last Federal Executive Council meeting, Mr. President gave me a deadline,” Keyamo said.
“He was very clear that the aviation sector must go fully cashless. Once Mr. President pushes me, I will also push those under me.”
In a stern warning to agencies responsible for implementation, the minister said accountability would cascade down the chain of command.
“Before Mr. President sacks me, I will sack other people too,” he said.
Minister Takes Direct Control of Implementation
Keyamo admitted that the operational details of the payment system were initially handled by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), but said the situation has now reached a stage where he must personally oversee the process.
He explained that his visit to the Abuja airport was part of efforts to monitor how the hybrid system is being implemented on the ground.
“I will not leave my fate in the hands of any other person,” he said.
“That is why I came here myself to see exactly how the system is working.”
Push to Eliminate Cash-Driven Corruption
The aviation minister also argued that the shift to digital payments is necessary to tackle corruption within airport operations.
According to him, cash collection at airport toll points has been the norm for decades and has created opportunities for abuse.
“For nearly 50 years, FAAN has been collecting cash at different points. People have become used to that system,” Keyamo said.
“But it breeds corruption, and I will not allow it to continue.”
He revealed that discussions are ongoing with concessionaires to fully automate the payment process so that all transactions are electronic.
“This hybrid arrangement will not last,” he added. “We are already working with concessionaires to make the entire system fully automated.”
FAAN Begins Hybrid System Rollout
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, also carried out an inspection of the new payment arrangement at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
The rollout forms part of broader efforts to modernise airport access gates, reduce congestion, and introduce more efficient digital payment options for travellers.
The initial launch of the fully cashless system on March 1, 2026, triggered long traffic queues at several airports, forcing President Tinubu to temporarily suspend strict enforcement while authorities addressed the operational challenges.
Early Signs of Improvement
Kuku said the hybrid system recorded smoother traffic flow during its initial rollout at the Abuja airport, supported by awareness campaigns designed to help travellers understand the new payment process.
According to her, traffic also moved steadily at the Lagos airport tollgate, although she noted that more public sensitisation is still required due to the high number of first-time or occasional travellers using the facility.
She explained that many airport users are still adjusting to the available payment channels and learning how to navigate the automated options.
Kuku added that FAAN will continue refining the system, especially in collaboration with concessionaires responsible for managing toll infrastructure.
Lessons from the current rollout, she said, will guide the full integration and eventual transition to a completely cashless airport payment system across Nigeria.
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