The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced a nationwide ban on cash transactions at Nigerian airports, confirming that all airport payments will go fully digital from February 28, 2026.
The move positions Nigerian airports firmly within the Federal Government’s cashless economy policy, marking one of the most significant payment reforms in the country’s aviation sector.
FAAN’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Olubunmi Kuku, said the decision aligns with the Federal Government’s directive on eliminating cash transactions across public institutions.
According to Kuku, the policy is supported by a Treasury Circular dated November 24, 2025, issued by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, mandating ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to discontinue physical cash collections and payments.
She added that the move received approval from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) as part of broader reforms to improve financial transparency and accountability.
“There is no going back on this decision,” Kuku said. “The transition to cashless airport operations will strengthen transparency, revenue assurance, and operational efficiency.”
Enforcement
FAAN said the decision applies to all airports under its management nationwide, with cash payments to be completely eliminated across airport operations.
Under the new policy, cash transactions at airports will no longer be permitted at any FAAN revenue or service point.
The cash ban covers:
- Airport access and entry points
- Passenger service counters
- Car parks and toll areas
- Airport lounges
- Concessionaires, vendors, and commercial outlets
FAAN confirmed that only electronic and digital payment methods, including cards, mobile banking, USSD, and POS terminals, will be accepted once the policy takes effect.
Consultations
Ahead of the nationwide rollout, FAAN held consultations with major aviation unions to explain the implementation process and address concerns.
The unions engaged include:
- National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE)
- Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN)
- Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP)
FAAN said the engagement demonstrated its commitment to stakeholder inclusion and smooth implementation of the cashless airport policy.
The implication is that from February 28, 2026:
- Cash payments will be completely prohibited at Nigerian airports
- Passengers must use approved digital payment channels
- Airport vendors and concessionaires must install cashless payment systems
- FAAN will ensure all alternative electronic platforms are operational before enforcement
FAAN said the policy will help reduce revenue leakages, improve transaction traceability, and speed up passenger processing at airports.
It warned that non-compliance will attract sanctions, adding that airport managers are responsible for ensuring full compliance before the deadline.
