Keyamo Insists Full Cashless at Airports Soon

By Patrick Isaac

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has firmly declared there is no going back on enforcing a cashless policy across all airport revenue points, signaling a swift end to the current hybrid system.

Speaking during an on-the-spot assessment at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport tollgate in Abuja following President Bola Tinubu’s temporary suspension of the full cashless rollout, Keyamo emphasised the federal government’s unbreakable commitment.

He revealed plans for a fully automated payment system soon, with directives to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to make cashless options cheaper than cash payments to boost adoption.

“There is no going back on the cashless system. For those who think they can frustrate it because they prefer traditional cash collection, we have passed that stage,”
Keyamo stated.

A federal government directive bars any agency from collecting cash, so this hybrid phase is temporary with a very limited timeline.

He disclosed that President Tinubu issued a strict deadline at the last Federal Executive Council meeting.

“Mr. President was clear: Minister of Aviation, you have a deadline to go fully cashless.

“The moment he pushes me, I’ll push those under me. Before he sacks me, I’ll sack others too. Kayamo said.

Previously leaving details to FAAN, Keyamo now assumes full control. “I won’t leave my fate in others’ hands. That’s why I’m here today, this hybrid won’t last.”

The policy aligns with broader Treasury Single Account reforms, aiming to curb revenue leakages and modernise airport operations nationwide.