FAAN launches Go Cashless policy to phase out cash payments at airports, aiming to triple revenue, improve efficiency and align with global standards

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has officially launched its “Go Cashless” policy, a nationwide contactless payment initiative aimed at tripling revenue, increasing transparency, and modernising operations across the country’s airports.

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The launch event was held at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Monday, where FAAN Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, represented by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebiire, declared the start of a new era in Nigerian airport operations.

“This places Nigeria’s airports in line with global best practices,” Agbebiire stated, describing the policy as a strategic leap towards digital transformation, fiscal discipline, and improved passenger experience.

According to FAAN, the contactless system will begin with airports in Lagos and Abuja, with other airports nationwide to follow in a phased rollout.

Beginning 29 September 2025, FAAN will gradually phase out all physical cash collections at key revenue points including:

•  Airport access gates
• Car parks
•  VIP and protocol lounges

By Q1 2026, all cash payments will be eliminated, according to Ms Joy Adebola Agunbiade, FAAN’s Director of Commercial and Business Development.

“This change is long overdue,” said Kuku. “It is not just about revenue growth, but about aligning Nigeria’s aviation sector with international standards.”

Agunbiade confirmed that the system supports preloaded digital cards, POS terminals, and existing E-tag solutions. The new contactless cards:

•  Can be reloaded from ₦1,000
•  Have no expiration date
•  Are secure and can be owned in multiples

She forecasted that the pilot phase will yield a 50% revenue increase, rising to 75% during full integration, and tripling revenue within a year of national implementation.

“These funds will be directly reinvested into improving airport infrastructure nationwide,” she noted.

Representing Paystack, the fintech partner powering the platform, Fisayo Kolawole highlighted the system’s Level One global security certification.

“All transactions are end-to-end encrypted and protected by multi-layer authentication,” Kolawole assured. “Users can expect secure, seamless transactions.”

FAAN’s decision comes amid efforts to boost transparency, cut down revenue leakages, and streamline airport operations.

Lagos and Abuja access gates alone see over 300,000 vehicle entries monthly, a figure expected to increase with improved airport access and digital compliance.

“Going cashless eliminates delays, fraud risks, and cash-handling issues,” said Agbebiire. “It also gives us a real-time revenue monitoring framework.”

The Go Cashless policy is one of FAAN’s six strategic business goals and aligns with Nigeria’s broader push towards digital governance and fiscal modernisation.

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By moving away from physical cash, FAAN aims to enhance investor confidence, foster global aviation partnerships, and present Nigeria as a digitally competitive economy.