Keyamo plans to end free VIP access at airport gates over revenue losses

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, says the federal government plans to stop the long-standing practice that allows government officials and other influential individuals to pass through airport gates without paying access fees.

The minister made the remarks during a visit to the access gates at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where he inspected the operational performance of a newly introduced hybrid payment system.

According to Keyamo, the widespread exemption of so-called “VIPs” from paying airport access charges has significantly reduced revenue generated by airport authorities.

“We must not do VIP here again because half of our revenue goes to VIPs who are just passing without paying,” the minister said.

He explained that the practice has persisted for years and involves ministers, lawmakers, and various government officials who expect to pass through airport gates without paying the required fees.

“Ministers like us, National Assembly members, members of all kinds of agencies, everybody is a big man in Abuja. That’s the problem,” he said.

Keyamo added that many individuals present themselves as government officials to avoid paying fees, often carrying business cards bearing federal government titles.

Push for a fully cashless payment system

The minister said the visit was part of efforts to monitor the implementation of the hybrid payment system currently being used at airport entry points.

The system allows motorists to pay either electronically or in cash, following the temporary suspension of a strictly cashless payment policy introduced by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.

Keyamo said he had initially allowed FAAN to oversee the rollout of the payment system but decided to personally inspect operations to ensure it was being properly implemented.

“That is why I am here today to take my own fate into my hands to see how they are implementing the hybrid system,” he said.

However, the minister stressed that the hybrid system is only a temporary measure and that the aviation sector will eventually transition fully to electronic payments.

“But guess what, this will not last because it breeds corruption for us to continue to collect cash. I will not allow it,” he said.

According to him, cash collection at airport entry points has existed for decades and has created opportunities for financial leakages and corruption.

“It has been happening for the last 50 years that FAAN collects cash in all their points and some people are used to that corrupt system,” he added.

Tinubu directive behind policy review

Keyamo said the push toward a cashless system also aligns with directives from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has reportedly set a timeline for reforms in the aviation sector.

Earlier in March, Tinubu ordered FAAN to suspend the fully cashless payment policy after complaints that it caused traffic congestion at airport gates across the country.

Following the directive, Keyamo instructed FAAN to temporarily return to cash payments while introducing a hybrid model that accommodates travellers who already possess FAAN access cards.

The minister said the long-term goal remains a transparent and efficient payment structure that eliminates revenue leakages and improves accountability in airport operations.

Ending free VIP access at airport gates, he noted, is a key part of that reform effort aimed at boosting revenue generation for Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Also read: Lagos to restart monthly environmental sanitation from April 25 after decade-long pause