FAAN Goes Cashless: Nigeria’s Airports Adopt Contactless Payment System to Boost Efficiency

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has outlined the reasons behind its shift to a fully cashless system across all Nigerian airports, saying the initiative is designed to curb inefficiency, eliminate revenue leakages, and streamline airport operations.

Speaking during the launch of the FAAN Airport Contactless Card in Abuja, the Director of Commercial and Business Development, Ms. Adebola Agunbiade, described the move as a transformative step toward creating world-class, technology-driven airport facilities in Nigeria.

“For years, our airport revenue points — from access gates to car parks and lounges — have relied heavily on cash. This outdated system has slowed operations and created vulnerabilities in revenue collection,” Agunbiade explained.

She added, “We decided to go cashless to improve efficiency, strengthen transparency, and enhance passenger convenience.”

Agunbiade noted that the newly launched prepaid FAAN Airport Contactless Card embodies the agency’s “Go Cashless” vision, allowing passengers to make seamless, secure, and fast payments across airport facilities without using physical cash.

She highlighted the card’s multiple advantages — including speed, improved security, and instant SMS payment notifications — while assuring that the system would ensure better revenue optimisation and stronger financial accountability for FAAN.

According to her, the rollout will start with airport access gates and lounges, with gradual expansion to all FAAN-managed airports nationwide.

The project, implemented in collaboration with Paystack, one of Nigeria’s leading fintech firms, is designed to guarantee both operational reliability and data protection.

Unveiling the card, Agunbiade appealed to media professionals to help drive public awareness of the cashless initiative.

“Technology alone cannot drive change. We need public acceptance, and that’s where you, our media partners, come in,” she said.
“This card is more than a payment tool; it represents progress, transparency, and national pride.”

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