- Safiu Kehinde
The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has affirmed the commencement of the Operation Go Cashless initiative as it debunked counter-message labelling the initiative a scam and warning recipients of an SMS forwarded by the authority not to open the link attached to the SMS.
FAAN made this known in a statement issued on Friday by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire.
Reacting to the counter-message which alleged that the SMS link sent by the authority is a scam designed to drain bank accounts, FAAN labelled the claim as false and misleading.
It reiterated that the SMS, announcing the commencement of the initiative by 1st of March, was approved and disseminated in partnership with MTN Nigeria.
“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 statement partly read.
FAAN reiterated that the authorised SMS messages communicating the start date are genuine and form part of the authority’s structured transition to a fully cashless, contactless payment system across all airport payment points nationwide.
It urged members of the public to dismiss the counter-message while reaffirming its commitment to transparency, passenger convenience, safety, and security.
“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.” FAAN added.