The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), in partnership with Paystack, has introduced a tap-to-pay NFC card system at Lagos and Abuja airports, setting the stage for a nationwide rollout by the end of 2025. This new system allows drivers to pay airport access fees with a single tap of a prepaid card at entry and exit points, eliminating the inconvenience of cash payments. The initiative, launched under the campaign “Operation Go Cashless,” is expected to streamline airport access, cut down waiting times, and significantly improve user experience.
Through this system, drivers can register by scanning a QR code or visiting FAAN’s dedicated portal. They simply need to verify their phone number via OTP, fund a virtual wallet with a minimum of ₦1,000, and link it to their card. Once activated, the card can be used for seamless payments at airport gates. This structured process ensures ease of use, accessibility, and transparency while aligning with Nigeria’s broader cashless economy strategy.
The introduction of tap-to-pay at airports is a significant milestone in FAAN’s ongoing digital transformation agenda. In June 2025, FAAN’s Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku, outlined a broader automation plan covering parking, toll payments, and lease agreements. With only 8% of FAAN’s revenue currently derived from non-aeronautical sources, this initiative is expected to increase efficiency, improve revenue collection, and diversify income streams by digitising services that have traditionally been cash-reliant.
By partnering with Paystack, FAAN gains access to a robust fintech infrastructure capable of real-time processing, secure payments, and reliable support services. Paystack provides the backend systems that ensure transactions are smooth and secure, while also enabling better financial accountability. This collaboration demonstrates how fintech partnerships can unlock new efficiencies in public sector services, especially in high-traffic environments like airports.
The pilot programmes at Lagos and Abuja airports serve as the foundation for a nationwide rollout, which FAAN aims to complete before the close of 2025. Once fully deployed, the system will cover airports across Nigeria, marking a significant shift in how airport operations handle fee collections. For travelers and businesses alike, the convenience of fast, cashless transactions will enhance airport experiences, while reducing congestion and operational inefficiencies.
As Nigeria accelerates its transition into a cashless economy, innovations such as the FAAN-Paystack NFC card are pivotal. Beyond user convenience, the move strengthens financial transparency, curbs leakages associated with manual cash handling, and signals a broader commitment to embedding digital infrastructure in public service delivery. This is not just a payment upgrade—it is a leap forward in modernising Nigeria’s airport ecosystem.
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