Despite public complaints of traffic congestion and missed flights following the rollout, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has reaffirmed its decision to enforce a nationwide cashless payment system at airports.
Managing Director Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku said the policy would not be reversed, describing it as a critical step toward blocking revenue leakages and strengthening financial accountability within the aviation sector.
ENigeria Newspaper gathered this when she spoke after appearing before the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, where she presented FAAN’s revenue performance from 2023 to 2025.
From March 1, 2026, cash payments were officially discontinued at all FAAN-controlled airports. The directive affects transactions at access gates, car parks, and executive or VIP lounges.
Kuku said the reform aligns with the Federal Government’s broader fiscal discipline agenda aimed at improving transparency across ministries and agencies.
“This initiative is about accountability and sustainability. Every kobo due to the Federal Government must be accounted for. We encourage passengers to come prepared with the appropriate payment options before arriving at the airport,” she said.
According to figures presented at the hearing, FAAN generated N387.8 billion in 2024 and collected N344.6 billion by year-end, representing 104.4 percent revenue performance and 88.87 percent collection efficiency. Of that amount, N128.8 billion was deducted at source for remittance into the Consolidated Revenue Fund, with the balance used for operational and capital projects.
In 2025, the authority had a revenue target of N551.2 billion. It generated N483.1 billion and collected N428.8 billion as of December 31, achieving 87.65 percent and 88.76 percent performance respectively. A further N150.6 billion was deducted at source during the period.
Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, James Faleke, directed FAAN to provide detailed documentation on its revenue streams and remittances for legislative scrutiny.
The cashless system was first introduced in September 2025 at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, selected due to their heavy traffic volumes. Together, the two facilities process more than 300,000 vehicles monthly, while their VIP lounges handle thousands of travellers annually.
Under the initiative tagged “Operation Go Cashless,” FAAN partnered with Paystack to deploy contactless payment terminals across major revenue collection points.
The authority maintains that eliminating physical cash transactions will reduce diversion of funds, modernise airport operations and improve passenger flow, even as some travellers continue to voice concerns about initial disruptions.
Passengers seeking clarification have been advised to contact FAAN information desks at airports or visit the agency’s official website for further guidance.
