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Keyamo Ends VIP Waivers at Airport Tollgates, Pushes Full Cashless Policy

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 17th, 2026.

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has announced a firm crackdown on VIP privileges at airport tollgates, declaring that all users regardless of status must comply with the newly enforced cashless payment system.

The minister made this known during an inspection visit to the tollgate facility at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where he assessed the ongoing implementation of a hybrid payment structure. According to him, the era of exemptions for politically connected individuals or high-profile officials has ended.

“We must not do VIP here again because a significant portion of revenue is lost through such privileges,” Keyamo stated, stressing that Abuja’s culture of entitlement has negatively impacted revenue generation within the aviation sector.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s stance, Keyamo said the transition to a fully cashless system is irreversible. He cited an existing directive mandating all government agencies to eliminate cash transactions, adding that only a short transition period would be allowed under the hybrid model.

According to The Nation, the minister disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has issued a clear deadline for the aviation sector to fully implement the policy. He emphasized that the directive carries significant weight and accountability.

“The President has given me a timeline, and I am under pressure to deliver. That means I must also ensure that those responsible for implementation meet expectations,” Keyamo said, adding that he would not hesitate to enforce compliance within the system.

The minister also assumed direct oversight of the process, noting that while the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeriahad previously managed the rollout, he now intends to personally supervise its execution to avoid setbacks.

His remarks come amid ongoing adjustments to the cashless framework, following earlier concerns and temporary policy pauses. However, Keyamo maintained that the long-term objective remains a seamless, transparent, and technology-driven toll collection system.

As reported by Daily Times, stakeholders within the aviation sector have expressed mixed reactions, with some welcoming the move for its potential to curb revenue leakages, while others call for improved infrastructure to support the transition.

The development signals a renewed push by the Federal Government to modernise revenue systems across public institutions, with a strong emphasis on accountability and efficiency.