In line the directive by the Federal Ministry of Aviation that all Aviation agencies’ revenue points be automated in a bid to block all loopholes where money are allegedly being siphoned, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said it is set to commence the implementation of the automation of revenue points in all its 21 airports.
Yakubu Dati, the Authority’s spokesperson noted that in the first instance, the automation of aviation fuel supply to aircraft by marketers has been completed.
He said all the eleven (11) fuel marketers have been fully integrated into the information platform.
He added that the access toll gate of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja has been completed adding that the automated gate is currently undergoing a test run and will be fully operational with effect from May 1, 2013.
“Every vehicle passing through the toll gate will be identified electronically after scanning the provided stickers on such vehicles.
“The new measure enhances security as the Authority is able to monitor vehicles within the airport environment at any point in time. The system also increases efficiency, transparency, tracking vehicular traffic and ensuring security of persons and airport environment.
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In order to ensure smooth implementation of the project, there are three modes of payment for passage through the access gates , one is through cash payment of the appropriate fee. The other option is through ‘E’ payment, i.e. the machine reads the tag on the windscreen and opens electronically.
“The third mode of payment is through a smart card whereby, you swipe your card at the machine and access is allowed. The automation process will affect all revenue points including car hire services, aviation fuel surcharge and fuel bowsers,” he added.
Stella Oduah, Aviation minister had mandated agencies under the ministry to automate all revenue collection process.
Oduah said the move was necessary to curb the huge losses the ministry has incurred as a result of the leakages inherent in the manual procedure.
She revealed that First Bank of Nigeria plc was working with experts and professional bodies like International Air Transport Association (IATA), SITA, and a Software Provider, Avitech, amongst others, to lead the collection process.
“Avitech is to provide the automation platform and has a tripartite agreement with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the airline operators and their individual banks. The Software Provider has been working with the NCAA since December, 2010.”
The agencies mostly affected in the exercise are FAAN, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
