By Nnasom David
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced its transition to a cashless payment system across all Nigerian airports, aiming to eliminate inefficiencies, curb revenue losses, and reduce delays linked to cash handling.
At the launch event of the FAAN Airport Contactless Card held in Abuja, Ms. Adebola Agunbiade, Director of Commercial and Business Development, emphasized that this initiative represents a significant leap toward modernizing Nigeria’s airports into technologically advanced, world-class facilities.
“Historically, cash transactions have dominated revenue points such as entry gates, parking lots, and lounges, which has hindered smooth operations and exposed the system to revenue leakages,” Agunbiade explained.
She further noted, “Our shift to a cashless model is designed to boost operational efficiency, enhance transparency, and provide a more convenient experience for passengers.”
The newly launched FAAN Airport Contactless Card embodies this vision by enabling travelers to make quick, cash-free payments throughout airport services.
This prepaid card offers numerous advantages, including expedited payment processing, heightened security for users, and instant SMS alerts for every transaction, ensuring passengers stay informed.
From FAAN’s perspective, the system guarantees optimized revenue collection and improved financial oversight nationwide.
Agunbiade revealed that the initial phase of implementation will cover access points and lounges, with plans to extend the cashless system to all airports under FAAN’s management across Nigeria.
The project is being executed in collaboration with Paystack, a leading Nigerian fintech firm, to ensure robust security and dependable service delivery.
During the card’s unveiling, Agunbiade called on media outlets to actively support public education efforts about the benefits of this digital payment shift.
“Technology alone cannot effect change; public buy-in is essential, and that’s where the media’s role becomes crucial,” she stated.
“This card is not merely a payment method; it symbolizes advancement, accountability, and national progress,” she concluded.