To increase revenue generation by 75 per cent

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) yesterday launched the Go-Cashless Policy at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, with plans to phase out cash payment for services at Abuja and Lagos airports by March 2026.

The policy will increase FAAN’s revenue collection by 50 per cent in the first phase and 75–100 per cent when they fully go cashless.

The Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, during the flag-off of Operation Go Cashless, said that from September 29th, 2025, the authority started phasing out physical cash at all FAAN revenue points, including access gates, car parks, and VIP lounges, to upgrade passenger experience and express their commitment to transparency and excellence.

Kuku, who was represented by the Director of Commercial and Business Development, Ms Adebola Agunbiade, said the policy would ensure faster, more secure transactions for airport users, as well as an end to delays caused by cash handling.

She stated that the rollout was also a direct response to calls for modern, efficient, and world-class service.

Explaining the new policy, the MD said that with a simple tap of the new FAAN Contactless Card, airport users can make instant payments across all airports managed by the authority.

She said, “The unified and accessible features of the card mean that a single balance can be used across multiple registered cards, perfect for easy management for families or corporate users. It is available to all users, including international travellers, and once registered, it has nationwide validity across all FAAN-managed airports.”

She also stated that SMS notifications will be sent to card users for every transaction, and the balance can be monitored through a secure online dashboard, saying that should the card be lost or stolen, one can instantly block it through the same dashboard to ensure that funds are always protected.

To ensure a smooth transition, Kuku stated that trained ambassadors have been deployed to assist users.

The Director of Commercial and Business Development, while explaining the initiative to the media and other stakeholders, said that beyond this unparalleled passenger convenience, the initiative is part of their strategy for enhanced accountability and sustainable revenue growth.

She said it would help create a traceable financial environment that aligns the country with global standards and strengthens Nigeria’s position as a ready partner for international business.

She said, “The plan for this project is that within this first pilot phase, we expect to increase our revenue by 50%, and by the time we go cashless fully, we expect to be doing 75–100% growth. What we are trying to do is to ensure that we are collecting 100% of the revenue that accrues to the Federal Government.”

She explained that a one-time, non-refundable fee of N500 will be deducted once the card is activated.