Under the “Operation Go Cashless” initiative, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has implemented four digital payment methods at airport access gates around the country.

According to the authority, the measure is a component of initiatives to do away with cash transactions, enhance operational effectiveness, and support Nigeria’s larger shift to a cashless economy.

FAAN described the authorized payment methods for drivers and airport patrons in a statement posted on its official 𝕏 account on Tuesday.

Four Accepted Channels of Payment
The authority states that the choices are as follows:

“The fastest and most seamless payment option” is how FAAN Go Cashless Card is described.
E-Tag: Designed to facilitate automatic deductions without pausing at gates for frequent users.
VIP Sticker: For vehicles with permissioned access.
ATM/Debit Card via POS: Available on-site, although processing times may differ because of issues with the banking network.
“The following payment options are available to ensure smooth and efficient access,” FAAN said.

The organization also stated that the Go Cashless Card is available to airport patrons at its commercial offices and certain access gates across the country. Additionally, it revealed that card administration and registration are available online via its webpage.

On March 1, 2026, the cashless policy went into force, prohibiting cash payments at all FAAN pay locations, including executive lounges, parking lots, and toll gates.

Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport were among the major hubs where the program, which was started in collaboration with Paystack, was first introduced in September 2025.

According to FAAN, the policy complies with Nigeria’s Central Bank’s directives to increase the use of electronic payments throughout the nation.

Confusion and excessive gridlock at the airports in Lagos and Abuja marred the first day of full implementation, despite the expected benefits.

Some passengers reportedly missed planned flights due to traffic congestion at entrance gates.

When drivers came without prepaid cards, they had to rely on Point of Sale machines, which led to lengthy lines and delayed processing times.

The congestion was made worse by network-related problems that affected point-of-sale transactions, according to some airport patrons.

However, FAAN insisted that the project will eventually improve service delivery.

The authority emphasized that the system is intended to make transactions “faster, safer, and more convenient,” with the potential to increase income by up to 75% through fewer cash handling and increased transparency.

To reduce wait times at entrance gates, FAAN asked frequent travelers to fill their Go Cashless cards ahead of time.

For the time being, travelers at Nigeria’s main airports are acclimating to a new system in which cash is no longer king.