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Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, identified five ways the newly launched contactless payment system will boost Nigerian airport standings. She made this known at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Press Centre during the Go Cashless Card launch on September 29, 2025. The Managing Director was represented by Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Henry Abegbire.
Abegbire explained that Nigeria had delayed too long in adopting modern solutions. He noted that airports worldwide already rely on digital systems, while Nigeria remained dependent on cash. According to him, the introduction of contactless payment eliminates inefficiencies and prevents the country from being left behind in aviation development.
“The nation itself is going cashless, and contactless payment is nothing new. The time has come to upgrade. We delayed for too long, but we are confident this system will succeed,” Abegbire said.
He stressed that the first benefit lies in transparency and accountability. With every transaction recorded electronically, there will no longer be room for revenue leakages. Each Naira entering FAAN’s system can now be tracked, strengthening credibility and building trust with stakeholders.
The second transformation is in stronger revenue assurance. Abegbire explained that FAAN will now be able to monitor its income lines in real-time. This closes the gaps previously exploited through manual collections and improves the Authority’s overall financial management.
Operational efficiency forms the third impact. Director of Commercial and Business Development, Ms. Adebola Agunbiade, revealed that FAAN partnered with Paystack to deploy payment terminals across access gates, car parks, and VIP lounges in Lagos and Abuja. She said motorists and travelers will now simply tap their cards to gain access, eliminating delays caused by manual cash handling.
“This removes opportunities for leakage and guarantees accountability. The system is optimised for speed, accuracy, and convenience. Each tap is instantly validated, ensuring reliability even in high-traffic environments,” Agunbiade explained.
Customer convenience represents the fourth benefit. Agunbiade emphasised that travelers and motorists can now make payments quickly and securely, with instant digital confirmation.
This transparency reduces disputes and makes airport services smoother for the thousands who use them daily. With Lagos and Abuja airports handling over 300,000 vehicle entries monthly, efficiency is vital.
The fifth way the system transforms airports is by aligning Nigeria with global standards. Abegbire noted that airports in Europe, Asia, and North America already operate cashless systems. By adopting contactless payment, FAAN ensures Nigeria remains competitive while projecting a modern aviation image.
FAAN reassured stakeholders that this reform aligns with its six strategic pillars for the year. Management confirmed that the system is permanent, sustainable, and will not be abandoned. “If we fail to adopt contactless payment and global practices, we risk being left behind,” Abegbire warned.
Looking ahead, the Authority plans to expand the solution nationwide. Additional terminals will cover lounges, parking facilities, and other passenger services.
Agunbiade added that this phased expansion will further strengthen accountability while offering travelers consistent convenience across all airports.
By adopting contactless payment, FAAN has taken a bold step that addresses transparency, strengthens revenue assurance, enhances efficiency, improves customer service, and ensures global competitiveness. More importantly, it reflects Nigeria’s readiness to embrace digital transformation and secure a stronger position in global aviation.
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