FAAN Defends Cashless Policy Amid Airport Chaos

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), represented by Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku, defended its cashless policy during an address to journalists on Tuesday in Abuja. This policy is designed to block revenue leakages and curb sharp practices at airports, particularly at toll gates.

Kuku explained that the comprehensive mechanism aims to ensure efficient revenue generation and full remittance to the federal government, aligning with the government's broader fiscal reform agenda. Although the enforcement of the cashless regime has led to temporary inconveniences for airport users, Kuku emphasized that the reform is long overdue and necessary for sustainable revenue collection.

Preparatory steps, including public sensitization campaigns and stakeholder engagement, will commence mid-2025, with the actual enforcement of cash transactions shifting to electronic payments starting Sunday. Kuku acknowledged the current traffic congestion at airport toll gates as a temporary adjustment phase and appealed for patience and cooperation from Nigerian citizens as the system stabilizes.