Nigerian airports to go fully cashless, here is how to get and activate “Go Cashless” card

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the full operation of a cashless payment system branded under “Go Cashless”. The move, effective March 1 2026, marks the end of a long cash payment policy system. 

According to a statement on Friday via an X (formerly Twitter) post, FAAN noted that the cashless and contactless payment system enables safer, faster and more convenient transactions across airports nationwide.

The agency mentioned that the move also aligns with a Federal Government directive in 2025 mandating all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to transition to a cashless system.

With the policy, FG wants to enhance transparency, improve transaction traceability and reduce revenue leakages across various government institutions.

Since its implementation in September, the federal government has been working on a gradual phased rollout, allowing both users and the agency to adapt to the new system. The initiative now complements existing systems like E-tags and Point of Sale terminals.

Also Read: FAAN, MTN launch free WiFi services at Lagos, Abuja international airports.

The FAAN’s Go Cashless initiative, introduced in August in partnership with Paystack, is a way to eradicate the use of cash payments at Nigerian airports. 

Go Cashless can be used to pay for airport access gates, car parks, and VIP/protocol lounges. It replaces physical cash with digital, contactless methods and operates like debit/credit cards and mobile wallets.

The prepaid card allows drivers to tap and pay at airport gates, starting at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. A nationwide rollout to all FAAN-managed airports is planned by the end of 2026.

At the gate, a driver approaches, and the Paystack Terminal displays the access fee based on the vehicle type. A quick tap of the FAAN Prepaid NFC Card processes the payment instantly, without a PIN, lifting the boom gate in seconds.

According to FAAN, Lagos and Abuja airport access gates alone record over 300,000 monthly vehicular entries, further revealing the need to digitalise payments to block leakages and safeguard revenue.

How to get a Go Cashless and get started 

The FAAN card is available at any FAAN Terminal in Lagos and Abuja. After obtaining the card, there’s a need for activation, which can be done from a device. 

Step 1: Once you have your card, visit www.gocashless.faan.gov.ng or scan the QR code on your card.

Step 2: Enter your name and phone number to create an account

FAAN Go Cashless’ activation dashboard

Step 3: Verify your number with an OTP

Step 4: Fund your wallet by transferring a minimum of N1,000 to the virtual account sent to your phone.

Step 5: Register your card on the dashboard

At the airport access point, a vehicle type is selected on the Paystack Terminal, and the access fee is displayed on the screen. For payment, you are to hold your Go Cashless card over the terminal while your payment is processed instantly (no PIN required). 

The new cards have no expiration date. Users can also own multiple cards, all of which will be linked to a single wallet balance. Cards can also be shared with members of your household, friends, or family, while still being managed under one wallet.

The post Nigerian airports to go fully cashless, here is how to get and activate “Go Cashless” card first appeared on Technext.