The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has urged motorists and airport users to be patient after the rollout of its nationwide Operation Go Cashless payment system led to traffic congestion at Nigeria’s busiest airports on Sunday, March 1.
The authority said gridlock was recorded at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja following the rollout of the new Go-Cashless payment system.
FAAN explained that the congestion occurred as many drivers attempted to register for the new Go-Cashless cards directly at the toll gates, despite earlier advisories urging motorists to complete their registration in advance at designated FAAN points.
In a statement shared on its X social media handle, FAAN acknowledged the traffic build-up, saying initial challenges were expected with the introduction of a major new system.
The agency explained that Operation Go Cashless now requires all payments at access gates, parking lots, and executive lounges to be made using contactless cards issued by FAAN in partnership with Paystack.
FAAN said it has since increased personnel, added more registration points, and improved on-ground coordination to ease traffic and speed up the process.
The authority also asked motorists to visit FAAN commercial offices, airport access points, or participating bank branches to collect their cashless cards ahead of future trips.
“The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria sincerely appreciates all motorists and airport users as the Go Cashless Programme officially comes into full operation … We appeal for your patience, understanding, and cooperation as we work diligently to stabilise and streamline the process,” the statement read.
The initiative, which started as a pilot in Lagos and Abuja in late 2025, is intended to speed up transactions, improve transparency, and reduce cash-handling risks at airport facilities nationwide.
FAAN has also encouraged travellers to plan ahead and gather their Go-Cashless cards before arriving at airport gates to avoid delays.
