By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced a ban on cash transactions for all its services across the nation’s airports, effective February 28.
This directive was confirmed in a statement issued on Thursday in Lagos by FAAN’s Director of Public Relations and Consumer Protection, Mr. Henry Agbebire. The clarification follows a visit on Wednesday from executives of key aviation unions seeking confirmation regarding the transition to a cashless system.
The unions involved included the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP). Mr. Agbebire noted that the engagement facilitated a robust dialogue, highlighting FAAN’s commitment to transparency and inclusive stakeholder consultation.
FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, affirmed the authority’s determination to fully implement the cashless policy across all airport payment points. She emphasized that the move aligns with global best practices in aviation management and adheres to Federal Government directives.
Mrs. Kuku stated that the policy is designed to enhance transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency. She referenced a Treasury Circular dated November 24, 2025, from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, which mandates the cessation of cash transactions in all government dealings. This follows approval by the Federal Executive Council for all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to discontinue physical cash collections as part of broader public finance reforms.
“There is no going back on this decision,” Mrs. Kuku said. “The cashless initiative aligns FAAN with national financial management reforms, while positioning Nigeria’s airports for greater operational integrity, improved service delivery, and stronger revenue assurance.”
She added that the reform is integral to FAAN’s broader strategic agenda to deepen stakeholder engagement, foster transparency, build trust, and ensure that partners, unions, concessionaires, and service providers are included in key operational decisions.
