FAAN launches ‘Operation Go Cashless,’ promises to raise revenue with digital payments
FAAN launches ‘Operation Go Cashless,’ promises to triple revenue with digital payments
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has launched ‘Operation Go Cashless,’ a groundbreaking initiative to phase out cash transactions at all its airports, starting with Lagos and Abuja international gateways today Monday, September 29.
Video: FAAN launches ‘Operation Go Cashless,’ promises to triple revenue with digital payments
This move marks a major step toward enhancing transparency, efficiency, and passenger convenience, while aiming to triple revenue within the coming months.
In a speech delivered at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos on behalf of FAAN Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku, Director of Public Affairs Henry Agbebiire emphasised the strategic importance of the cashless rollout.
Kuku said, “Today, we are not just launching a new payment system; we are fundamentally reshaping the experience at our airports and reinforcing our unwavering commitment to accountability, transparency, and excellence.”
She added, “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.”
The introduction of this cashless policy covers all revenue points including airport access gates, car parks, and VIP lounges.
Kuku highlighted the passenger benefits, “It means faster, seamless, and more secure transactions. It means saying goodbye to delays and inconveniences associated with cash handling.”
The FAAN’s Director of Commercial and Business Development, Adebola Agunbiade, outlined the operational framework stating, “Effective immediately, we are introducing state-of-the-art cashless payment systems beginning with pilot operations at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.”
She described the technology partner Paystack’s role, “Paystack has deployed contactless payment terminals each tap is instantly validated and authorised, ensuring reliability even in our high-traffic airport environments.”
She forecasted significant revenue growth, stating, “We project a 50% increase in revenue collection at this pilot stage, rising to 75% as we integrate more points, with the goal of tripling revenue within the first year of full implementation.”
Moreover, Agunbiade said the initiative promotes financial inclusion and improves speed and safety for users.
Fisayo Kolawole, Paystack’s Director of Commercial and Public Sector Engagements, praised the milestone noting, “This marks a historic step towards modernising how millions of people experience Nigeria’s airports, It’s a leap forward towards efficiency, transparency, and the kind of infrastructure that sets a new standard for aviation in Africa.”
He called the project “the first of its type in all of Africa” and highlighted its wider impact.
“By embedding digital payments into critical national infrastructure, we’re laying the foundation for a truly cashless Nigeria,” said Kolawole.
To ensure a smooth transition, FAAN has deployed trained brand ambassadors to assist passengers and introduced the FAAN Go Cashless Card for easy access and funding at airport entrances.
The authority plans full rollout across other airports in Nigeria by the first quarter of 2026.
However, the MD acknowledged President Bola Tinubu and Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo for their supportive roles in reaching this “new dawn” of technology-driven airport operations.
