Nigeria’s aviation sector is set for a historic financial transformation as the FAAN Cashless Airport Policy officially takes effect from March 1, 2026. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has announced a complete ban on cash transactions across all airports under its management, marking a decisive shift toward digital revenue collection and financial transparency.
The directive means that passengers, visitors, concessionaires and service providers will no longer be allowed to make physical currency payments for airport related services. This includes car park charges, access gate tolls, lounge entry fees, tarmac access payments and other ancillary services operating within airport premises nationwide.
According to FAAN’s Managing Director, the move to a cashless system is a strategic decision aimed at eliminating revenue leakages, strengthening accountability and aligning Nigeria’s aviation industry with global financial best practices. He described the migration as non negotiable, emphasizing that strict compliance will be enforced from the effective date.
Under the new structure, airport users must register online through FAAN’s official digital portal to obtain a personalized GoCashless card. These cards will serve as the primary means of payment within airport environments. Dedicated registration and card collection centers have been established at both international and domestic terminals to facilitate a smooth transition.
The digital payment system has been integrated with major Nigerian banking institutions, allowing users to fund their GoCashless cards through mobile banking applications, USSD banking codes and designated point of sale terminals stationed across airport facilities. In addition to physical cards, travelers may also complete payments using QR code scans and direct bank transfers, offering flexible payment alternatives.
FAAN has made it clear that the era of manual receipting and discretionary cash handling by airport personnel has come to an end. From March 1, any official found accepting physical cash will face immediate disciplinary action under strengthened anti corruption measures.
Internal compliance units and digital audit systems have been deployed to monitor transactions in real time. The automated system will generate digital receipts instantly, reducing disputes and ensuring complete traceability of funds collected across airport touchpoints.
Industry experts believe this reform could significantly increase FAAN’s non aeronautical revenue within its first year of implementation. By reducing leakages and improving transaction transparency, analysts project a possible revenue growth of up to forty percent. The automation of car park and access gate payments is also expected to eliminate bottlenecks caused by manual change handling, a frequent source of congestion at major airports.
Public reaction to the announcement has been mixed. While many stakeholders have welcomed the modernization of airport financial systems, others have expressed concerns over the short implementation timeline and the potential challenges for elderly passengers or those unfamiliar with digital platforms.
In response, FAAN has deployed trained digital support personnel across airports to assist passengers during the rollout phase. These marshals will guide travelers through card activation, mobile top ups and QR payment procedures.
The authority has also advised passengers to complete their online registration at least forty eight hours before their scheduled departure dates to avoid delays at terminal entry points or service counters.
Beyond revenue control, the Nigeria Airport Cashless Policy will generate real time transaction data that can be used for infrastructure planning, passenger flow management and security deployment. Aviation planners note that digital records of spending patterns and traffic movements could significantly improve decision making on terminal expansions, car park redesign and staffing allocation.
Security experts add that minimizing cash exchanges reduces the risk of internal fraud and enhances surveillance control, as financial activities will be digitally logged and timestamped.
With this initiative, Nigeria positions itself among leading African aviation markets embracing fully digitized landside operations. FAAN officials maintain that the transition represents more than a payment reform. They describe it as a structural overhaul designed to restore public confidence, promote financial integrity and prepare the country’s airports for the demands of smart travel in a rapidly evolving global aviation environment.
As March 1, 2026 approaches, awareness campaigns continue across television, radio and social media to ensure that travelers, transport operators and airport businesses are fully informed of the new regulations. The message from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria remains firm. The cash era at Nigerian airports is ending, and the digital future has officially begun.
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