Following the recent enforcement of the cashless policy at Nigerian airports, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has issued over 70,000 Go Cashless cards to ease congestion and improve access at airport gates nationwide.
However, FAAN says traffic is gradually normalising as more Nigerians adopt the system.
FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, confirmed during an interview on ARISE NEWS that although 30,000 users were onboarded between October 2025 and February 28, another 40,000 cards were issued within just three days of enforcement.
This guide explains how Nigerians can get their Go Cashless cards quickly and the payment alternatives available at airport access gates.
How to Get the FAAN Go Cashless Card Fast
According to FAAN’s sensitisation campaign and operational updates, here are the fastest ways to obtain your card:
1. Register at Airport Access Points
FAAN has deployed registration personnel at major airport gates. Passengers and drivers who do not yet have a card can:
- Visit designated registration desks at airport entrances
- Provide basic identification details
- Receive and activate their Go Cashless card
Due to high demand, early arrival is strongly advised.
2. Arrive Earlier Than Usual
FAAN now advises travellers to add 30 minutes to 1 hour extra to their normal arrival time. International travellers should aim for at least 3 hours plus additional buffer time before departure.
3. Onboard Before Travel Day
To avoid delays entirely:
- Register ahead of planned travel dates
- Fund your card in advance
- Ensure it is activated before arriving at the airport
The Go Cashless card is currently the fastest payment option because it is contactless and allows instant gate access.
Alternative Payment Methods at Nigerian Airports
While FAAN promotes the Go Cashless card as the quickest method, several other options remain available.
1. Debit/ATM Cards
Passengers can use their debit cards at POS terminals at access gates.
Important:
This method is slower and may take 1–2 minutes per transaction, potentially causing traffic build-up during peak periods.
2. E-Tags (Electronic Tags)
Regular airport users can apply for:
- Annual E-Tags
- Vehicle-based automated access tags
These allow faster entry similar to toll gate systems and are ideal for frequent visitors.
3. VIP E-Tags
Vehicles frequently accessing airport premises (such as logistics operators and executive transport services) can register for VIP E-Tags, which provide smoother and quicker passage through designated lanes.
Why FAAN Introduced the Cashless System
The directive, supported by the Central Bank of Nigeria and implemented in partnership with Paystack, eliminates physical cash payments at:
- Airport toll gates
- Car parks
- Lounges
- Other airport service points
FAAN projects that once compliance stabilises, revenue could increase by up to 75 percent, while also blocking leakages and improving transparency.
What Nigerians Should Do Now
To avoid delays or missed flights:
- Get a Go Cashless card before your next airport visit
- Fund the card ahead of time
- Consider applying for an E-Tag if you’re a frequent user
- Arrive earlier than usual during this transition period
- Avoid relying on cash — it is no longer accepted
FAAN maintains that customer experience remains a priority and that full normalisation is expected within days as adoption increases.
As reported by The Sun Nigeria on March 4, 2026, the situation is already easing with more cards issued daily.
Key Takeaway
The fastest way through Nigerian airport gates right now is:
Get the FAAN Go Cashless card before you travel.
Debit cards and E-Tags remain available, but the contactless Go Cashless card offers the smoothest and quickest access as the country transitions fully into the new airport payment system.
