BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
To revolutionise Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has partnered with leading fintech company Paystack to launch Operation Go Cashless, a new initiative that will eliminate cash transactions at airports across the country.
The programme, scheduled to take off on September 29, 2025, will first roll out at Nigeria’s busiest hubs, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, before being extended nationwide.
Under the plan, payments at all FAAN revenue points, including access gates, car parks and FAAN VIP and protocol lounges, will go fully digital.
“This means we will be phasing out the collection of cash at these points. Travellers and airport users will now enjoy fast and seamless services by using a secure contactless payment option,” FAAN announced in a statement.
The authority said the move is part of a broader push to boost efficiency, block leakages, guarantee revenue assurance, and deliver a superior customer experience.
It also places Nigeria’s airports in line with global best practices, where cashless transactions have become the norm for speed, transparency, and convenience.
As part of the transition, passengers can obtain a FAAN Go Cashless Card at access gates in Lagos and Abuja airports.
The card can be instantly activated and funded online through a dedicated portal: www.gocashless.faan.gov.ng.
To support travellers, FAAN has deployed trained brand ambassadors across payment points.
These staff will guide users through onboarding, demonstrate how to use the new system, and respond to any queries on the spot.
Industry observers note that the choice of Paystack, a Nigerian-founded fintech now backed by global payments giant Stripe, reflects FAAN’s seriousness about adopting world-class technology for a smoother passenger experience.
“This collaboration is a game changer. With Paystack’s proven platform, we can finally move away from the inefficiencies of handling cash, while offering passengers the convenience and security they deserve”, a source said.
The shift is also expected to tighten financial accountability within the airport system. In the past, cash collections at airport gates and car parks have been vulnerable to leakages.
By going cashless, FAAN aims to strengthen its revenue assurance and channel more funds into airport maintenance and upgrades.
FAAN emphasized that this rollout is just the first phase of a larger reform.
The cashless system will gradually be expanded to other airports nationwide, ensuring uniformity and improved services across Nigeria’s aviation landscape.
For inquiries, passengers can reach FAAN’s dedicated support desk via 0700-CBS-FAAN (0700-227-3226) or email [email protected] agency stressed that Operation Go Cashless demonstrates its commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and aligning Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure with international standards.
