The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced that all cash transactions across airports under its management will cease effective February 29, as part of a sweeping move to align fully with the Federal Government’s cashless policy.
The directive, which takes effect nationwide, means that payments for services at FAAN-operated facilities — including terminal access, parking, concessions, and other airport-related charges — will now be processed exclusively through electronic channels.
FAAN officials say the transition is designed to enhance transparency, strengthen accountability, improve operational efficiency, and reduce the risks associated with physical cash handling within airport environments. The policy is also expected to curb revenue leakages and streamline financial reporting systems across the aviation sector.
Airports, as high-traffic and security-sensitive zones, are considered critical national infrastructure. By eliminating cash-based payments, FAAN aims to modernize its financial architecture while reinforcing compliance with broader public sector reforms focused on digital transactions and financial traceability.
Under the new framework, passengers, airline operators, concessionaires, and other airport users will be required to make payments via approved digital platforms, including point-of-sale (POS) terminals, bank transfers, and other electronic payment systems. FAAN has indicated that infrastructure upgrades and sensitization efforts are underway to ensure a seamless transition before the implementation date.
Industry observers note that the move brings Nigeria’s airport operations closer to global best practices, where cashless ecosystems are increasingly the norm in aviation hubs. Beyond convenience, digital payments offer audit trails that can significantly strengthen institutional oversight and revenue integrity.
However, stakeholders emphasize the importance of ensuring system reliability, especially in environments where network stability can affect transaction speed. Smooth execution, they argue, will depend heavily on robust technical support and adequate public awareness.
For travellers, the change signals a new layer of convenience — and responsibility. With February 29 set as the cut-off date, airport users are being encouraged to prepare for the shift by adopting electronic payment options ahead of time.
As Nigeria continues its push toward a more digitized economy, FAAN’s cashless transition represents a notable milestone in the modernization of the country’s aviation infrastructure — one that underscores a broader commitment to reform, efficiency, and financial discipline within public institutions.
