FAAN to Begin Contactless Payments at Lagos and Abuja Airports from September 29

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced that beginning September 29, 2025, passengers and airport users at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja will experience a major shift in the way payments are made within the terminals. The agency is set to roll out a contactless, cashless payment system across all its revenue points in both airports, marking the start of a new era in airport operations in Nigeria.

This development, tagged “Operation Go Cashless”, is part of FAAN’s modernization drive to align with global aviation standards, improve efficiency, and enhance passengers’ overall travel experience.

What the Change Means for Passengers

With this initiative, all FAAN-controlled payment points at Lagos and Abuja airports will switch to a fully cashless model. Areas affected include:

• Access gates

• Car parks

• VIP and protocol lounges

• Other revenue-generating points managed by FAAN

In practical terms, this means that travelers, visitors, and service users at these airports will no longer be able to make payments in cash. Instead, payments will now be made through digital channels, making transactions faster, safer, and more transparent.

According to FAAN, the cashless system is expected to eliminate delays associated with cash handling, reduce the risk of theft or mismanagement of funds, and create a seamless travel environment for passengers.

Partnership with Paystack

To ensure smooth implementation, FAAN is partnering with Paystack, a leading Nigerian financial technology company known for digital payment solutions. This collaboration is aimed at providing a reliable platform that guarantees secure, transparent, and efficient transactions across all revenue points.

The choice of Paystack is seen as a strategic one, given the company’s track record in simplifying payments for businesses and institutions across Africa. With their technology, passengers can expect fast, contactless transactions whether they are paying for parking, lounge services, or accessing restricted areas of the airport.

How the System Will Work

The transition to cashless payments is being introduced with a well-structured rollout plan. Here is how FAAN intends to implement it:

1. FAAN Go Cashless Card

   • Passengers and airport users will be able to obtain a special Go Cashless Card at access gates in both Lagos and Abuja airports.

   • The card can be activated and funded online via the dedicated portal: gocashless.faan.gov.ng.

   • Once loaded, the card can be used for all payments within the airports, functioning like a prepaid debit card specifically for FAAN services.

2. On-Ground Assistance

   • FAAN will deploy brand ambassadors at terminals, gates, and car parks. Their role will be to guide travelers through the new system, assist first-time users, and resolve any difficulties encountered during payment.

   • The ambassadors will also provide demonstrations and information materials to help passengers quickly adapt to the new mode of payment.

3. Customer Support

   • For additional assistance, passengers can reach FAAN through a dedicated helpline: 0700-CBS-FAAN (0700-227-3226).

   • An official support email has also been created: [email protected], ensuring travelers can report issues or seek clarification anytime.

Why Lagos and Abuja Were Selected

FAAN currently manages 23 airports across Nigeria, five of which are designated as international airports. Out of these, Lagos and Abuja were chosen as the pilot locations for Operation Go Cashless due to their high passenger volumes and strategic importance.

• Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos
  In 2024 alone, MMIA handled more than 16 million passengers, making it not only the busiest airport in Nigeria but also one of the busiest in Africa. It serves as the country’s main gateway for international travel and accounts for a significant portion of FAAN’s annual revenue.

• Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja
  Abuja’s airport welcomed over 5 million passengers in 2024, ranking it among the top airports in terms of passenger traffic. As the nation’s capital, it also plays a vital role in both local and international aviation, serving government officials, diplomats, and business travelers.

By starting with these two major airports, FAAN aims to test, refine, and perfect the system before extending it to other airports across the country.

Benefits of the Cashless System

The transition to a contactless payment system is expected to yield multiple benefits:

1. Operational Efficiency

   • Digital transactions are faster and reduce congestion at gates and car parks.

   • Payment verification becomes instant, cutting down waiting times for passengers.

2. Transparency & Revenue Assurance

   • By removing cash handling, FAAN reduces risks of leakages and enhances accountability.

   • Accurate financial records will improve revenue collection and auditing.

3. Passenger Convenience

   • Travelers can pay with cards, digital wallets, or the FAAN Go Cashless Card.

   • No need to carry cash for airport services, reducing security risks.

4. Global Alignment

   • Many international airports already operate cashless systems. By adopting this model, Nigerian airports will join the league of modern, globally competitive aviation hubs.

Expansion Plans

Although the project is starting in Lagos and Abuja, FAAN has confirmed that the system will be extended to other airports in phases. This gradual approach will allow the agency to gather feedback, resolve challenges, and improve the infrastructure before implementing nationwide.

Airports in Port Harcourt, Kano, and Enugu—other major international gateways—are likely to be next in line once the system proves successful at the pilot locations.

Preparing for the Change

Passengers traveling through Lagos and Abuja airports from September 29 should prepare to embrace digital payments. FAAN has advised travelers to:

• Familiarize themselves with the Go Cashless Card.

• Ensure they have working debit/credit cards or mobile wallets.

• Make inquiries through the helpline or support email if needed.

The agency also assures the public that adequate sensitization campaigns will run within the airports to guide users during the transition period.

A Step Towards Modernizing Nigerian Airports

The introduction of contactless payments at Lagos and Abuja airports is a milestone in Nigeria’s aviation sector. It demonstrates FAAN’s commitment to modernization, efficiency, and international best practices.

For passengers, the shift promises less stress, faster transactions, and improved security. For FAAN, it ensures greater revenue control and reduced leakages. If successful, this initiative could serve as a model for other government agencies seeking to digitize their operations.

As September 29 approaches, all eyes will be on MMIA and Abuja airports to see how smoothly this historic transition unfolds. The success of Operation Go Cashless could mark the beginning of a new digital chapter in Nigerian air travel.