The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has officially launched contactless payment systems at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in a move set to modernise airport operations nationwide.
Branded “Operation Go-Cashless,” the initiative, unveiled on Monday in partnership with digital payments giant Paystack, is expected to phase out the use of cash at FAAN revenue points, including airport access gates, car parks, and VIP lounges. The authority has set a target for full rollout across all FAAN-operated airports by the first quarter of 2026.
According to FAAN, the cashless system will boost efficiency, accountability, and transparency in revenue collection. At the pilot stage in Lagos and Abuja, the authority projects a 50 per cent increase in collections, rising to 75 per cent with further expansion, with the ultimate goal of tripling revenue within one year of full implementation.
Speaking at the launch in Lagos, FAAN Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, described the policy as a landmark achievement that would reshape passenger experience and align Nigerian aviation with international standards.
“It is with immense pride and a profound sense of purpose that I announce the official launch of FAAN’s Cashless Policy, aptly named ‘Operation Go-Cashless,’” Kuku said. “Effective immediately, we are introducing state-of-the-art cashless systems at our revenue points, starting with Lagos and Abuja.”
She added that the roadmap for nationwide expansion is “clear and strategic,” extending to areas such as casual flights, car hire services, and additional lounges.
FAAN’s Director of Commercial and Business Development, Ms. Adebola Agunbiade, explained that the system uses contactless terminals and NFC-enabled cards, ensuring instant payments and eliminating cash handling. She stressed that the move would curb revenue leakages and improve passenger flow.
To ease the transition, trained staff have been deployed as brand ambassadors at airports to guide passengers and provide live demonstrations.
With over 300,000 vehicles passing through access gates monthly in Lagos and Abuja, alongside thousands of VIP lounge users annually, FAAN noted that the new system is expected to deliver significant improvements in service quality and accountability.
