If you are heading to any Nigerian airport today, leave your cash at home. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has officially launched Operation Go Cashless and from this moment, every single transaction at every Nigerian airport must be digital.
No exceptions. No grace period. No cash.
What Has Changed at Nigerian Airports?
Every passenger and airport visitor must now pay digitally at both international and domestic airports nationwide, covering access gates, car parks, executive lounges, and VIP lounge entries.
FAAN made its position crystal clear:
“In line with the directive of the Central Bank of Nigeria, effective March 1st, 2026, cash will no longer be accepted at any FAAN pay point. That means at all our international and local airports from access gates to car parks and executive lounge entries every transaction must be digital.”
How to Get Go-Cashless card?
FAAN has introduced the Go-Cashless card as the primary payment instrument at all its airports. Here is how to get yours:
Collect your card immediately at any FAAN commercial office or access gate nationwide — they are available right now.
From March 16, 2026, cards will also be available at designated Fidelity Bank Plc branches across the country. Register online in advance at gocashless.faan.gov.ng and pick up your card ahead of your travel date.
Once you have your card, use the Tap and Go system at access gates and lounges for fast, queue-free transactions. You can fund your Go-Cashless card through mobile banking apps, USSD codes, and designated point-of-sale terminals inside airport facilities.
Challenges, Patience
Since the first day of FAAN’s landmark Operation Go Cashless launch, a massive traffic gridlock has been reported at access gates in both Abuja and Lagos as tens of thousands of motorists arrived at the gates without their Go-Cashless cards.
FAAN acknowledged the disruption but placed responsibility squarely on late registrants.
“Despite the wide publicity, notices, and repeated announcements issued ahead of the commencement date, a significant number of motorists opted to register for their Go-Cashless cards at the gates this morning. This understandably created pressure on the toll lanes and resulted in temporary gridlock”.
FAAN appealed for patience and cooperation.
“This transition is designed to deliver long-term benefits — faster processing, improved transparency, reduced cash handling risks, and a more efficient airport environment for all.” NCAA Director of Public Affairs Michael Achimugu confirmed the inconvenience was a direct result of non-compliance with the new cashless policy.”
