Abuja Airport Registers 10,000 ‘Go Cashless’ Cards since 2025

The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport has registered 10,000 ‘Go Cashless’ cards following the full implementation of a nationwide cashless toll policy, according to airport authorities.

Ahmed Danjuma, the airport manager, disclosed the figure in an interview on Tuesday in Abuja. He explained that temporary gridlocks recorded on Monday and the early hours of Tuesday at the airport toll gate were linked to the strict enforcement of the new policy, which eliminates cash payments.

According to Danjuma, although registration for the ‘Go Cashless’ cards began in August 2025, many airport users failed to enroll ahead of the March 1, 2026, enforcement date. He noted that authorities had carried out extensive sensitisation campaigns to encourage compliance before the official rollout.

“Since March 1, we have gone cashless in line with the policy of this government to eliminate the collection of cash at toll gates,” he said. “The move aligns with broader federal reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and optimising revenue.”

Under the system, motorists are required to obtain a card issued by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The card allows users to pay toll charges electronically by tapping at designated barriers, which then open automatically upon successful validation.

Danjuma emphasised that cash payments are no longer accepted at any FAAN-operated airport gate nationwide. “If you go to any FAAN gate and you want to pay cash, you will be disappointed because nobody will allow you to pass through,” he stated.

Policy Aimed at Transparency and Revenue Optimisation

Airport authorities said the transition forms part of the federal government’s efforts to modernise airport operations and eliminate revenue leakages traditionally associated with cash handling.

The cashless toll initiative is expected to improve efficiency at entry and exit points, reduce human interaction at payment booths, and provide a more accountable system for tracking revenue. Officials noted that the policy also aligns with Nigeria’s wider digital payment drive across public institutions.

However, the initial days of enforcement exposed gaps in public preparedness, as many motorists arrived at the toll gate without pre-registered cards, leading to congestion. Danjuma acknowledged the inconvenience but expressed optimism that traffic flow would normalise as more users comply with the new system.

He reiterated that registration remains open and encouraged frequent airport users to obtain their cards in advance to avoid delays. Authorities are also working to streamline the registration process to accommodate increased demand.

With 10,000 cards already issued, airport management expects the figure to rise significantly in the coming weeks as awareness grows and compliance becomes widespread, marking a full transition to electronic toll collection at the nation’s capital airport.

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