The reaffirmation followed a visit by executives and members of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), who sought clarification on FAAN’s decision to discontinue cash transactions across airport facilities.
According to a statement issued by FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Henry Agbebire, the engagement provided an opportunity for extensive dialogue and underscored the authority’s open-door policy and dedication to inclusive stakeholder consultation.
Alignment with Federal Government Reforms
In her remarks, Kuku emphasized that the transition to a cashless payment regime aligns with global best practices in aviation management and reflects ongoing Federal Government efforts to enhance transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency in public finance.
She cited a Treasury Circular dated November 24, 2025, issued by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation and signed by Accountant-General Shamseldeen Ogunjimi. The circular, which followed approval by the Federal Executive Council, directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to discontinue physical cash collections and payments as part of broader public sector financial reforms.
“There is no going back on this decision,” Kuku stated, stressing that the initiative is central to strengthening revenue assurance, improving service delivery, and ensuring greater operational integrity across Nigeria’s airports.
Strengthening Transparency and Revenue Assurance
Beyond regulatory compliance, the FAAN chief described the reform as a strategic move aimed at reducing financial leakages, improving transaction traceability, and accelerating service delivery. She added that the cashless system would boost public confidence in airport operations by promoting clearer audit trails and enhanced financial controls.
Kuku also framed the initiative within FAAN’s broader strategic agenda to deepen stakeholder engagement, foster transparency, and build trust among unions, concessionaires, service providers, and other industry partners. By proactively engaging NUATE and other stakeholders, she said, FAAN is demonstrating that institutional reforms must be pursued alongside collaborative dialogue.
Clarification on Payment Platform
Addressing concerns raised about the use of Paystack as a third-party platform, Kuku clarified that the company functions solely as a payment gateway to process transactions. She assured stakeholders that no revenues are held in Paystack accounts, as payments made via Point of Sale (PoS) terminals are remitted directly into designated Federal Government accounts.
The NUATE delegation was briefed comprehensively on the implementation framework and transition strategy ahead of the February 28 deadline. At the conclusion of the meeting, union representatives reportedly expressed satisfaction with the explanations provided, describing the framework as practical and workable.
A Milestone in FAAN’s Reform Agenda
The nationwide rollout of cashless transactions marks a significant milestone in FAAN’s ongoing modernization efforts. As Nigeria’s aviation sector continues to evolve, the authority maintains that enhanced financial controls and digital payment systems are critical to improving efficiency, safeguarding revenue, and strengthening accountability across the airport ecosystem.
With the February 28, 2026 deadline fast approaching, FAAN appears resolute in pushing forward with reforms designed to align Nigeria’s airports with international standards while embedding greater transparency into daily operations.