The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has issued a clarification dismissing viral SMS messages circulating about the commencement date of its “Operation Go Cashless” initiative, describing the notifications as misinformation.
In a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, the authority said its attention had been drawn to misleading text messages claiming to announce the start date of the policy. FAAN emphasized that any official communication regarding the implementation of the cashless system would be disseminated through its verified channels.
The agency urged airport users and stakeholders to disregard unofficial messages and rely solely on authenticated updates from FAAN to avoid confusion.
Specifically, a counter-message currently being shared advises recipients not to open the SMS link, alleging that it is a scam designed to drain bank accounts.
FAAN wishes to categorically state that this claim is false, misleading, and unfounded.
The official SMS notification informing members of the public about the implementation of Operation Go Cashless is legitimate and was duly disseminated by FAAN in partnership with MTN Nigeria as part of its nationwide public sensitisation campaign.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Operation Go Cashless programme officially commences on March 1, 2026. The authorised SMS messages communicating the start date are genuine and form part of FAAN’s structured transition to a fully cashless, contactless payment system across all airport payment points nationwide.
Members of the public are therefore advised to disregard the false counter-message and rely only on verified information issued through FAAN’s official communication platforms.
FAAN remains committed to transparency, passenger convenience, and the safety and security of all airport users.
For further clarification, the public is encouraged to visit FAAN’s official communication channels.
