Nigeria’s aviation sector has entered a new era of digital transformation with the launch of a tap-to-pay Near Field Communication (NFC) card system at Lagos and Abuja airports. The initiative, rolled out on August 28, 2025, by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in partnership with leading fintech company Paystack, marks the most ambitious effort yet to eliminate cash transactions in airport operations.
Seamless Access with One-Tap Payments
The new contactless system replaces cash-based transactions with prepaid NFC cards. Drivers entering airport terminals simply tap their card at a gate terminal, triggering automatic fee deduction and immediate access. By streamlining entry and reducing manual handling, the technology aims to cut down long queues and improve operational efficiency.
Digital-First Onboarding Experience
User registration reflects modern fintech standards. Drivers can register via QR code or a dedicated FAAN portal using their phone number, verified through a one-time password (OTP). After funding a virtual wallet with a minimum deposit of ₦1,000, users can link their NFC card for instant access.
“Operation Go Cashless”: A Nationwide Rollout Plan
FAAN has branded the program “Operation Go Cashless”, beginning with Lagos and Abuja before expanding nationwide by December 2025. The rollout forms part of FAAN’s broader infrastructure automation strategy, which also covers parking, tolling, and lease management. Currently, only 8% of FAAN’s revenue comes from non-aeronautical sources—a gap this digital initiative aims to close.
Paystack’s Role in Infrastructure Modernization
Paystack provides the fintech backbone for the project, ensuring secure, real-time processing and enterprise-grade support. The collaboration highlights how Nigerian fintech companies are extending beyond e-commerce into critical infrastructure and public service digitization.
Tackling Cash Economy Challenges
Airports provide controlled testing grounds for cashless adoption, particularly in Nigeria where cash remains dominant in many sectors. By digitizing transactions at airports, FAAN hopes to address inefficiencies, strengthen financial transparency, and reduce revenue leakages.
Regional Impact and Broader Implications
This program aligns Nigeria with broader African efforts in aviation digitization, following similar initiatives in Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana. A successful rollout could position Nigeria as a leader in airport technology, setting the stage for regional standardization and future international partnerships.
Looking Ahead
If successful in Lagos and Abuja, “Operation Go Cashless” will become one of Africa’s largest airport digitization projects by the end of 2025. Beyond airports, it could provide a blueprint for extending digital payments to toll roads, public transport, and other government-operated services.
