FAAN insists on electronic transactions, listing the benefits that airport users complain about

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) says it is determined to eliminate revenue leakages at the country’s airports through full enforcement of electronic payment and collection systems as a significant change in its financial and operational framework.

The Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku told journalists after appearing before a House of Representatives Committee that the agency has put in place a comprehensive mechanism to ensure that all revenue generated at airports especially at toll gates and other collection points is earned efficiently, processed transparently and remitted in full to the Federal Government.

He said the move is in line with the Federal Government’s broader fiscal reform agenda aimed at plugging financial leakages, enhancing transparency and increasing internal revenues across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

He noted that although the implementation of the cashless system has caused temporary inconvenience for some airport users, this reform is strategic and long overdue.

“This initiative is about accountability and sustainability. We are ensuring that every kobo due to the Federal Government is collected without leakage, while improving operational efficiency,” he said.

According to him, this transition did not start suddenly, and added that preparatory steps, including public outreach campaigns, advertising and stakeholder engagement, began in mid-2025 to prepare airport users for the shift from cash transactions to electronic payments.

“The crackdown itself only started on Sunday,” he explained, adding that this new momentum follows directives to strengthen collection mechanisms and eliminate systemic leaks.

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Although he acknowledged the traffic jams that occurred at several airport toll gates at the start of its implementation, Kuku described the situation as a temporary adjustment phase.

He called on Nigerians to be patient and cooperate, ensuring that the system will stabilize as more users adopt the various electronic payment channels available.

“We understand the initial discomfort, but this is a transition that will ultimately benefit everyone,” he said.

He dispelled the misconception that the newly introduced FAAN cashless card was the only payment option. He emphasized that the policy does not limit users to one platform but only eliminates physical cash transactions.

Meanwhile, for three consecutive days, passengers, motorists and other road users at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) experienced difficulties due to prolonged congestion related to traffic jams at the Access Plaza Toll Gate.

The traffic jam was caused by the implementation of a cashless policy by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) which came into effect on March 1, 2026.