The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on Monday launched contactless payment systems at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, as part of a phased rollout that will cover all airports nationwide by the first quarter of 2026.
The initiative, branded “Operation Go Cashless,” is being implemented in partnership with Paystack and aims to gradually eliminate cash transactions at FAAN revenue points, including access gates, car parks, and VIP lounges. FAAN projects that the policy will boost revenue collection by 50% during the pilot phase, rising to 75% as more points are integrated, with a broader target of tripling revenue within a year of full implementation.
Speaking at the launch in Lagos, FAAN Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, described the cashless policy as a landmark reform that would modernise airport operations and align Nigeria’s aviation sector with global best practices.
“Effective immediately, we are introducing state-of-the-art cashless payment systems at our revenue points, beginning with pilot operations at MMIA and Abuja airports,” Kuku said. She added that nationwide implementation is scheduled for completion in early 2026, with expansion into areas such as car hire services and casual flight operations.
Kuku stressed that the initiative will improve transparency and accountability by ensuring all transactions are electronic, traceable, and secure. She also praised passengers for demanding modern, seamless services, and commended FAAN’s Commercial and Business Development Directorate, led by Ms. Adebola Agunbiade, for driving the project.
Agunbiade explained that Paystack has deployed contactless terminals at key locations, allowing NFC-enabled cards to process payments instantly. She noted that the system will speed up passenger flow while curbing revenue leakages by removing the handling of physical cash.
To support the transition, FAAN has deployed trained staff as “brand ambassadors” at gates and terminals to guide passengers and provide demonstrations. With more than 300,000 vehicles passing through MMIA and Abuja airport gates monthly, and thousands of passengers using VIP lounges annually, the authority expects the initiative to significantly enhance service quality.
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