Abuja, March 14, 2026 – Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo has directed that Very Important Persons (VIPs) privileges at airport access gates be abolished, in line with the reinstated cashless and hybrid payment system.

Keyamo made the announcement on Friday during an on-the-spot assessment at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to monitor the implementation of the hybrid system adopted nationwide.

The minister emphasized the government’s commitment to enforcing the cashless policy introduced by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

“We must not allow VIP privileges here anymore, because a significant portion of our revenue goes to VIPs. In Abuja, everyone seems to consider themselves important—half the people you meet have federal government designations on their business cards,” Keyamo said.

He reiterated the administration’s determination to fully implement the cashless system. “There is no going back. At the last Federal Executive Council meeting, Mr. President gave me a clear deadline to go fully cashless. I will ensure the system is implemented, and I will hold those under me accountable.”

Keyamo added that he personally assumed oversight of the system’s implementation. “Before the President takes action against me, I will take responsibility for any delays. I am here to see firsthand how the hybrid system is working, and I will not leave this to anyone else.”

The Nigerian government initially announced the implementation of a cashless payment policy at airports from March 1, 2026. However, the policy was temporarily suspended following traffic congestion and gridlock at major airports.