BY. OLAPEJU OLUBI
True to its pledge to modernise the aviation ecosystem, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has officially rolled out “Operation Go Cashless,” a key innovation that phases out physical cash transactions across the nation’s airports.
The policy was unveiled on September 29, 2025, at a high-profile launch in Lagos by FAAN’s Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, in partnership with leading financial technology company Paystack.
“This is more than a new payment system. We are fundamentally reshaping the experience at our airports and reinforcing our unwavering commitment to accountability, transparency, and excellence,” Kuku declared.
Under the initiative, cash transactions at airport access gates, car parks, and VIP/protocol lounges will be phased out and replaced with digital, contactless payment systems.
The rollout begins immediately at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, with other airports to follow in phases.
“What this means for passengers and airport users is faster, seamless and more secure transactions. It means saying goodbye to delays and inconveniences associated with cash handling”, she explained.
The project is designed not only for passenger convenience but also as a revenue assurance strategy.
By moving payments to digital platforms, FAAN expects to significantly improve accountability, reduce leakages, and ensure that “every Naira due to the Authority is duly collected and accounted for”, Kuku noted.
The initiative is expected to yield major financial benefits.
In her remarks, Kuku commended FAAN’s Director of Commercial and Business Development, Ms. Adebola Agunbiade and her team for driving the project.
“I wish you all the luck and will hold you to your promise to triple our revenue in the coming months,” she said, hinting at ambitious financial targets tied to the reform.
“Beyond revenue, Kuku stressed that the policy aligns FAAN with global best practices, positioning Nigerian airports as competitive hubs capable of meeting international standards.
“We are sending a clear message to the world that Nigeria is open for business, with infrastructure that meets international standards,” she emphasized.
Acknowledging that change may come with challenges, FAAN has put structures in place to ease the transition.
Trained brand ambassadors have been deployed across access gates and terminal areas to guide passengers, demonstrate how the system works, and answer questions.
In addition, FAAN introduced the Go Cashless Card, available at Lagos and Abuja airports.
Passengers can pick up, activate and fund the card for smooth entry and exit at access points.
“This launch is a critical milestone, but it is not the final destination. Following successful implementation in Lagos and Abuja, we will systematically expand this cashless policy to all other airports nationwide in a phased manner,” Kuku explained.
The FAAN chief also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for their support.
“I wish to thank Mr. President for his evergreen interest in the growth of the aviation sector. I also appreciate the Minister of Aviation for encouraging our innovations and supporting us immensely,” she said.
The move comes at a time when Nigeria is intensifying efforts to digitize public sector transactions, curb corruption, and align with the Federal Government’s broader cashless economy policy.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had earlier championed cashless banking reforms in commercial transactions, and FAAN’s new initiative extends this push into the aviation sector.
In the past, airport users frequently complained about inefficiencies and long queues at cash collection points.
With cash handling also prone to leakages and fraud, stakeholders had long called for reform.
The adoption of digital platforms like Paystack now places FAAN among the vanguard of agencies embracing technology to improve both customer service and financial transparency.
Industry analysts note that similar policies have been successfully adopted at leading airports across Africa, including Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo and Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, where contactless transactions have enhanced efficiency.
FAAN’s step, therefore, not only aligns Nigeria with international practice but also responds to rising passenger expectations in an increasingly digital world.
Describing the launch as “a new dawn for FAAN,” Kuku said the agency is committed to continuous improvement.
“This dawn is defined by technology, driven by efficiency, and dedicated to serving you, the Nigerian people, better,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, FAAN’s Director of Commercial and Business Development, Ms. Adebola Agunbiade said the initiative will eliminate cash handling, remove leakages, and ensure that every naira is duly accounted for.
She added that FAAN projects a 50 per cent increase in revenue collection during the pilot stage and expects that figure to climb to 75 percent as the policy expands nationwide, saying within the first year of full implementation, revenues could triple, with additional funds reinvested into airport infrastructure.
According to Agunbiade, Lagos and Abuja gates alone record over 300,000 vehicle entries monthly, highlighting the potential for greater efficiency and accountability.
She assured stakeholders that FAAN has trained staff at access gates and begun an awareness campaign through billboards, social media and radio jingles to ensure smooth adoption.
Full implementation across all FAAN airports is targeted for the first quarter of 2026, with plans to extend the cashless system to lounges, casual flights, and car hire services.
Agunbiade praised FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, for her visionary leadership, noting that “together, we will set a new benchmark for efficiency, accountability, and world-class service delivery across Nigeria’s airports.”
