FG reviews cashless policy amid airport congestion

Abdullateef Fowewe

Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has begun implementing a nationwide cashless payment system at all airport payment points, including toll gates, car parks, and lounges, effective March 1, 2026, Dailyeconomy reports.

The policy aims to eliminate corruption and optimise revenue through digital transactions.

Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo announced a review of the policy’s first week in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday.

“By the end of this week, I, along with my team, will be reviewing the first one week of our going cashless at all our payment points at airports across the country in order to eliminate corruption and optimise revenue,” Keyamo had written.

He added, “We will surely improve the efficiency of the new system as time progresses by developing new ideas, but this government is determined to end the practice of collecting cash at our gates. Kindly bear with us, please.”

The system supports four payment methods: contactless GoCashless cards, e-tags, VIP e-tags, and bank ATM cards. These options promise faster transactions and better revenue tracking, with cards available for purchase online or at FAAN offices.

Initial rollout faced challenges, causing congestion at major hubs like Lagos and Abuja due to low pre-launch card uptake—only 30,000 issued.

However, FAAN reports distributing an additional 70,000 cards since launch, which has started easing traffic flows.

Officials have committed to ongoing refinements to smooth operations.