Aviation Minister Inspects Abuja Airport As Hybrid Payment System Takes Effect

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN today, visited the access gates at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to assess the operational performance of the newly introduced hybrid payment system.

The visit followed the Ministry’s directive restoring the hybrid payment arrangement, which allows both cash and electronic payments, after the earlier suspension of the fully cashless access gate system in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

This was disclosed in a statement by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser On Media and Communications to the Minister

During the inspection, the Minister observed the flow of vehicular traffic at the gates and interacted with officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) responsible for overseeing the implementation of the new arrangement. He expressed satisfaction with the improved vehicular movement recorded since the introduction of the hybrid payment option.

The Minister commended the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, and FAAN management team for the swift operational adjustments made to ease congestion and improve access into the airport.

He noted that the hybrid payment system serves as an interim measure while the Ministry continues engagements with concessionaires to deploy a fully automated and electronic access gate system across Nigeria’s airports.

The Minister also highlighted ongoing considerations for operational improvements, including the introduction of dedicated lanes for cash payments to further minimize traffic build-up at the gates.

The inspection underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring efficient airport access, reducing traffic congestion, revenue generation, and enhancing the overall travel experience for airport users.