The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has commenced the implementation of its contactless payment system across airports, beginning with Lagos and Abuja.
Olubunmi Kuku, managing director (MD) of FAAN, announced the rollout on Monday, saying the initiative reinforces the authority’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and efficiency in airport operations.
On September 26, FAAN announced the launch of ‘operation go cashless,’ a contactless and cashless payment system — an initiative deployed in partnership with Paystack.
The authority said the cashless payment system will gradually phase out the collection of physical cash at revenue points, including airport access gates, car parks, and VIP/protocol lounges.
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Speaking at the official launch, Kuku, represented by Henry Agbebire, the director of public affairs and consumer protection, said the new system would make transactions faster, seamless, and more secure, eliminating delays linked to cash handling.
“It means faster, seamless, and more secure transactions. It means saying goodbye to delays and inconveniences associated with cash handling,” the MD said.
“This move is a direct response to your demand for modern, efficient, and world-class service.
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“Beyond convenience, this initiative is a cornerstone of our strategy for enhanced accountability and sustainable revenue growth.
“By significantly reducing our reliance on physical cash, we are building a system that is inherently more transparent. Every transaction will be electronic, traceable, and secure.
“This directly enhances our revenue assurance capabilities, ensuring that every Naira due to the Authority is duly collected and accounted for. This is not just good for FAAN; it is a testament to our commitment to national development and fiscal responsibility.”
She added that the adoption of digital payments would keep Nigerian airports competitive and aligned with global best practices.
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“We are sending a clear message to the world that Nigeria is open for business, with infrastructure that meets international standards,” Kuku added.
To ease the transition, the MD said FAAN has deployed trained brand ambassadors at access gates and terminal areas to assist with onboarding, provide demonstrations, and answer passenger questions.
She announced that the authority has also introduced the FAAN Go Cashless card, available at airport access gates in Lagos and Abuja.
Kuku described the launch as “a critical milestone” but not the final destination, noting that the cashless policy will be expanded to other airports nationwide in phases.
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The MD also commended President Bola Tinubu for his support for the aviation sector and Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, for encouraging the agency’s innovations.
‘FAAN PROJECTS 50% INCREASE IN REVENUE COLLECTION AT PILOT STAGE’
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Adebola Agunbiade, director of commercial and business development at FAAN, said the benefits of the initiative would be transformative.
“For FAAN, we project a 50 percent increase in revenue collection at this pilot stage, rising to 75 percent as we integrate more points, with the goal of tripling revenue within the first year of full implementation,” Agunbiade said.
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“These additional funds will be strategically reinvested into further infrastructural development across our airports.
“For airport users, you will enjoy greater convenience, faster transactions, and reduced risk of theft. This policy also promotes financial inclusion.
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“For businesses, we have ensured that transaction costs are kept low to protect profit margins, and reliable internet services will be available to support seamless operations.”
She added that FAAN has begun an awareness campaign to drive adoption, with stakeholder forums, billboards, social media, radio jingles, and posters at access gates.
“Our dedicated staff members at the access gates have been trained to ensure a smooth transition, and we have established swift communication channels to resolve any technical or user errors promptly,” the director said.
Agunbiade said the authority’s roadmap targets full implementation of the cashless policy across all FAAN-operated airports by the first quarter of 2026.
