The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has confirmed that all airport services across the country will operate strictly on a cashless payment system beginning February 28, as part of sweeping financial reforms aimed at strengthening transparency and revenue accountability.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Lagos by FAAN’s Director of Public Relations and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, following consultations between airport management and major aviation unions seeking clarification on the policy.
The unions involved in the engagement included the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP).
According to FAAN, the meeting created room for extensive dialogue and reinforced the agency’s commitment to stakeholder inclusion through an open-door engagement process.
Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, reaffirmed the authority’s determination to fully implement the nationwide cashless payment structure across all airport transaction points.
She explained that the move aligns with global aviation management standards as well as directives issued by the Federal Government to modernise public finance operations.
Kuku noted that the reform is designed to enhance accountability, eliminate revenue leakages and improve operational efficiency within Nigeria’s airport system.
She referenced a Treasury Circular issued on November 24, 2025, by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, and signed by Accountant-General Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, which directed all government institutions to discontinue physical cash transactions.
The FAAN boss further disclosed that the decision followed approval from the Federal Executive Council, mandating Ministries, Departments and Agencies to end cash collections and payments as part of broader fiscal reforms.
“There is no going back on this decision. The cashless initiative aligns FAAN with national financial management reforms while positioning Nigeria’s airports for improved service delivery, stronger revenue assurance and operational integrity,” she said.
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Kuku added that the transition also forms part of FAAN’s wider strategy to deepen collaboration with stakeholders, including unions, concessionaires and service providers, ensuring transparency and trust in operational decisions.
Highlighting the expected benefits, she said the system would promote transaction traceability, reduce financial leakages, accelerate service delivery and boost public confidence in airport operations.
Addressing concerns raised during the meeting over the use of Paystack, she clarified that the platform functions only as a payment gateway.
According to her, all payments processed through Point of Sale terminals are transferred directly into designated Federal Government accounts.
Union representatives at the end of the engagement expressed satisfaction with FAAN’s explanations, describing the implementation framework as practical and workable for the aviation sector.