FAAN’s #OperationGoCashless: Redefining Airport Experience with Tap, Pay, and Move Convenience

Flashback to just a few years ago, when a trip through Nigeria’s busiest airports often came with one unavoidable frustration — long queues at access gates, car parks, and protocol lounges. Travelers would fumble for cash, drivers scrambled for change, and time that should have been spent in comfort and preparation was lost in the shuffle of small transactions.The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has officially launched #OperationGoCashless, a groundbreaking digital payment system that promises to reshape airport transactions, improve passenger convenience, and boost revenue transparency across the nation’s airports.

The launch event, held at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, gathered top aviation stakeholders, technology partners, media representatives, and FAAN’s management team. Delivering the keynote on behalf of FAAN’s Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, the Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, Mr. Henry Agbebire, described the initiative as a bold step toward aviation modernization.

“Today, we are not just launching a new payment system; we are fundamentally reshaping the airport experience while reinforcing our commitment to accountability, transparency, and excellence,” Agbebire declared.

Cashless and Contactless at Airports

Operation Go Cashless will phase out the use of physical cash at FAAN-operated revenue points, including access gates, car parks, and VIP/protocol lounges. The first phase covers MMIA Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Nigeria’s busiest aviation hubs.

Travelers can now use the newly introduced GoCashless Card to make payments seamlessly. The card is available at all access gates in Lagos and Abuja, and FAAN has deployed trained brand ambassadors across terminals to guide passengers, demonstrate usage, and answer questions.

With this system, passengers no longer have to worry about cash payments or waiting for change. Instead, with a simple tap, access is granted, transactions are cleared, and movement is hassle-free.

Revenue Growth and Accountability

Beyond convenience, FAAN says the system is about ensuring transparency and accountability. By migrating from cash to electronic transactions, every payment becomes traceable, secure, and transparent, thereby reducing leakages and guaranteeing improved revenue assurance.

Mrs. Kuku, through her representative, also praised the Director of Commercial and Business Development, Ms. Adebola Agunbiade, and her team for spearheading the initiative. She noted that the policy is expected to triple FAAN’s revenue within months of full implementation.

Support from Government and Partners

The project enjoys strong backing from the Federal Government. Agbebire acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has consistently prioritized reforms in the aviation sector, and the encouragement of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, who has been championing digital innovation in aviation.

He further noted FAAN’s strategic collaboration with Paystack, the technology company powering the GoCashless system, ensuring compliance with global best practices in airport payment solutions.

Nationwide Rollout

While the project has kicked off in Lagos and Abuja, FAAN confirmed that the cashless system will be expanded to all airports nationwide in a phased rollout.

“This is a new dawn for FAAN — a dawn defined by technology, driven by efficiency, and dedicated to serving Nigerians better,” Agbebire concluded.

From Queues to Quick Taps: A Reflection

Not long ago, Nigerian travelers endured long queues at airport gates and car parks, fumbling with cash, waiting for change, and losing valuable time. That system also left room for inefficiencies and financial leakages.

Today, with #OperationGoCashless, the airport culture is shifting. What was once a source of stress is now being transformed into a seamless, digital-first experience. FAAN’s message is simple:
No more waiting in line. No more cash worries. Just Tap, Pay, and Move.

5 Things You Need to Know About the GoCashless Card

1. Where It Works: The card is now active at FAAN’s Access Gates, Car Parks, and Protocol Lounges, with more points to follow.
2. Speed and Convenience: No more queues or waiting for change — just tap and move.
3. Security and Transparency: Each transaction is recorded and traceable, reducing fraud and leakages.
4. Support for Cashless Policy: Adoption supports FAAN’s wider goal of modernizing Nigeria’s airports.
5. Global Standards: Nigeria now joins other global aviation hubs where cashless payments are the norm.

The launch of #OperationGoCashless marks more than just a payment upgrade. It represents a cultural shift in Nigeria’s aviation industry — one that prioritizes efficiency, accountability, and world-class passenger experience.

For travelers, it’s a future already here:
Tap. Pay. Move.

FAAN launches #OperationGoCashless across Nigerian airports, introducing the GoCashless Card for seamless payments at access gates, car parks, and lounges. A bold move for transparency, revenue growth, and global aviation standards.