Nigerian Airports Set to Go Cashless: How to Get and Use Your “Go Cashless” Card

Nigerian airports are set to become fully cashless starting March 1, 2026. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) made this announcement on Friday through a post on X, formerly Twitter. They launched a system called “Go Cashless” to make payments safer, faster, and easier at airports across the country. This ends the old way of using cash for things like parking and gates.

The change follows a 2025 order from the Federal Government. It requires all government offices, called Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), to switch to cashless payments. The goal is to make transactions clear, track them easily, and stop money losses in government services. Since September 2025, the government has rolled it out slowly. This helps everyone get used to it while keeping old tools like E-tags and Point of Sale machines.

FAAN started the Go Cashless program in August 2025 with Paystack, a payment company. It stops cash use at airports by using digital cards like debit or credit cards and phone wallets. You can pay for airport gates, car parks, and VIP lounges with it. Right now, it works at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. FAAN plans to take it to all their airports by the end of 2026.

Here’s how it works at the gates. A driver pulls up, and the Paystack machine shows the fee based on the vehicle type. You just tap your FAAN Prepaid NFC Card on it. No PIN needed, the payment goes through fast, and the gate opens in seconds. FAAN says Lagos and Abuja gates see over 300,000 vehicles each month. Going digital will plug money leaks and protect airport income.

Getting your Go Cashless card is simple. Pick one up at any FAAN terminal in Lagos or Abuja. Then activate it using your phone or computer. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to www.gocashless.faan.gov.ng or scan the QR code on the card.

Step 2: Type in your name and phone number to set up an account.

Step 3: Check your phone for an OTP code and enter it to verify.

Step 4: Add money to your wallet. You need at least N1,000. Transfer it to the virtual account number sent to your phone.Step 5: Link your card on the dashboard.

At the gate, pick your vehicle type on the Paystack screen. The fee shows up. Hold your card near the terminal, and it pays right away, no PIN. The cards never expire. You can get more than one and link them all to your single wallet balance. Share them with family or friends, but manage everything from one account.

This cashless shift makes airport trips smoother. No more fumbling for cash in traffic. It cuts risks like carrying money and speeds up lines. With over 300,000 vehicles monthly at just two airports, the savings will be huge for FAAN. The government push for transparency means less corruption in payments.

Travelers should get their cards soon, especially if they drive to Lagos or Abuja airports often. Activation takes minutes, and funding is easy with bank transfers. As the rollout grows nationwide, more people will enjoy contactless payments. FAAN’s partnership with Paystack ensures reliable tech.

This is part of Nigeria’s bigger move to digital payments. It builds on past efforts to modernize services. By March 1, cash will no longer work at these spots. Get ready by visiting the FAAN terminals and website.

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