The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the full adoption of a cashless payment system across all its revenue channels, as part of efforts to boost transparency, block leakages, and increase earnings. The agency also disclosed plans to implement new tariffs in the coming weeks in line with prevailing economic conditions.
This was revealed during a Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum held on Monday in Lagos by FAAN’s Directorate of Commercial and Business Development (DCBD), which brought together business partners and concessionaires.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Commercial and Business Development, Mrs. Adebola Joy Agunbiade, explained that FAAN is restructuring its operations to enhance revenue generation and efficiency. She noted that over 92 percent of FAAN’s current revenue comes from aeronautical sources, compared to over 40 percent non-aeronautical income in more developed airport economies.
To bridge this gap, FAAN is investing heavily in automation and digital infrastructure, including the introduction of contactless payment options. “All payments will soon be made online using our airport cards. You tap and go—it’s seamless and efficient,” Agunbiade said.
She also confirmed that notices would be issued to concessionaires before any tariff changes take effect. “We will not impose any recent or sudden reviews. However, we are working on revising our tariffs and will notify you early enough to allow for adequate business planning,” she assured.
Addressing the issue of lease agreements, Agunbiade said many disputes arise because beneficiaries fail to fully understand the terms. She noted that FAAN has reviewed its lease contracts in collaboration with legal experts and introduced more practical and business-friendly clauses. “Those coming for renewal or new applications will notice key changes in the terms, which we believe are now more manageable,” she said.
She also revealed that FAAN generated N2 billion last year from “below the line” revenue streams and encouraged investors to take advantage of the growing business opportunities at airports. Additionally, she disclosed plans to introduce reward systems for staff as part of a broader internal reform.
FAAN’s Managing Director and CEO, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, stressed the importance of automation, particularly in improving service delivery and transparency. “We’re going cashless and contactless with our payments. Pilots have started in Lagos, and we are expanding to other airports nationwide,” she said.
According to her, FAAN is deploying Electronic Cash Register (ECR) devices at all terminals and automating tollgate and parking systems as part of its infrastructure upgrade strategy.
Kuku warned that the agency would revoke the licenses of car hire operators and Bureau de Change agents found engaging in touting or unprofessional conduct within airport premises. “These actions tarnish the airport environment and pose serious security risks,” she said.
She also announced plans to decongest Lagos airport access roads, citing a court order obtained to remove tankers parked illegally along the routes. “The current situation is unacceptable. Many of those tankers do not operate within our environment. We will take decisive action to clear them,” she stated.
FAAN’s push for automation, improved regulation, and new revenue strategies marks a major shift toward transforming Nigeria’s airports into more efficient and commercially viable hubs aligned with international best practices.
