It was the dawn of a new era in cash transactions across the nation’s airports as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, unveiled its cashless payment system
in partnership with Paystack.
Speaking during the unveiling, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku stated that the landmark initiative marks a significant leap forward in the journey to transform Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Kuku who represented by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Henry Agbebire, said with the new payment system; FAAN is fundamentally reshaping the experience at nation’s airports and reinforcing its unwavering commitment to accountability, transparency, and excellence.
She explained that this is a comprehensive, cashless and contactless payment solution that will be deployed across all the nation’s airports.
FAAN MD disclosed that the rollout is beginning with the country’s flagship international gateways, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
In her words: “Effective today, September 29, 2025, the collection of physical cash will be phased out gradually at all FAAN revenue points. This includes our airport Access Gates, Car Parks, and our VIP and Protocol Lounges.
What does this mean for our passengers and airport users? It means faster, seamless, and more secure transactions. “It means saying goodbye to delays and inconveniences associated with cash handling. This move is a direct response to your demand for modern, efficient, and world-class service”.
Kuku pointed out that beyond convenience, the initiative is a cornerstone of its strategy for enhanced accountability and sustainable revenue growth.
According to her: “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”.
FAAN MD explained further that embracing these digital trends ensures that nation’s airports remain competitive and aligned with global best practices.
She noted that FAAN is sending a clear message to the world that Nigeria is open for business, with infrastructure that meets international standards.
In her remarks, Director, Commercial and Business Development of FAAN, Ms. Adebola Agunbiade, stated that the initiative marks a decisive step forward in its journey to modernise Nigeria’s airports.
Agunbiade emphasised that “Go-Cashless” vision is built on four key pillars to include, to significantly enhance operational efficiency, reduce congestion and delays for a smoother passenger experience, improve revenue collection and accountability and firmly align FAAN with global best practices for seamless airport access and service delivery.
She said FAAN is phasing out cash transactions at all its participating revenue points.
She stated that: “Our technology partner, Paystack, has deployed contactless payment terminals at our access gates, car parks and VIP lounges. This means that each motorist and customer will use their own contactless card for payment. Human involvement in cash collection will be eliminated, thereby removing opportunities for revenue leakage and ensuring that every Naira is accounted for”.
On the benefit, Agunbiade said FAAN is projecting a 50% increase in revenue collection at this pilot stage, rising to 75% as it integrate more points, with the goal of tripling revenue within the first year of full implementation.
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, extending services to those with limited access to traditional banking”, Agunbiade explained.
She stated further that FAAN has ensured that transaction costs are kept low to protect the profit margins of their business partners, as reliable internet services will be available to support seamless operations.
Agunbiade said FAAN roadmap which is the full implementation across all its-operated airports is targeted for the first quarter of 2026.
She added that following the success at the access gates, FAAN intend to expand this cashless policy to other areas, including casual flights, VIP lounges, car parks, and car hire operations.
Agunbiade disclosed that every month, its access gates in Lagos and Abuja recorded over three hundred thousand vehicular entrances respectively, stressing that its
VIP and Protocol lounges serve thousands yearly .
