NIGERIA: FAAN Dismisses Viral Scam Claims, Confirms Legitimate SMS On ‘Operation Go Cashless’ Launch

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has dismissed as false and misleading a viral counter-message warning the public against opening an SMS link related to its ‘Operation Go Cashless’ initiative.

FAAN stated that the official SMS notifications sent in partnership with MTN Nigeria are genuine and form part of a legitimate nationwide sensitisation campaign ahead of the full transition to cashless payments at all Nigerian airports.

In the statement signed by Henry Agbebire, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, issued on Friday, FAAN clarified that the Operation Go Cashless programme is scheduled to officially commence on March 1, 2026.

The authority emphasised that the authorised SMS messages informing passengers and airport users about the start date are authentic and aimed at promoting a fully cashless and contactless payment system across all airport payment points nationwide.

The agency urged members of the public to disregard the counterfeit counter-message alleging that the SMS link is a scam designed to drain bank accounts. FAAN advised reliance solely on information disseminated through its official communication channels to avoid falling victim to misinformation.

FAAN reiterated its commitment to transparency, passenger convenience, and the safety and security of all airport users.

The authority encouraged the public to seek further clarification directly from its ve

rified platforms.