FAAN Debunks Viral Scam Claim, Confirms Authenticity of ‘Operation Go Cashless’ SMS Alerts
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has dismissed as false and misleading a widely circulated counter-message warning Nigerians not to open SMS notifications announcing the launch of its “Operation Go Cashless” initiative, insisting the official text messages are legitimate and part of a nationwide public awareness campaign.
In a statement issued on Thursday, FAAN said its attention had been drawn to misinformation suggesting that the SMS notifications were fraudulent links designed to compromise recipients’ bank accounts. The authority stressed that such claims are unfounded and urged the public to ignore the viral warning.
According to the agency, the authorised SMS notifications were officially disseminated in collaboration with MTN Nigeria as part of a structured sensitisation drive to inform travellers and airport users about the transition to a fully cashless payment system across airport facilities nationwide.
FAAN clarified that the Operation Go Cashless programme is scheduled to commence on 1 March 2026, and that messages communicating the start date are genuine. The initiative, it explained, forms part of broader reforms aimed at modernising payment processes at airports, enhancing efficiency, and improving passenger convenience through contactless transactions at all designated payment points.
The authority emphasised that the false counter-message currently in circulation appears intended to create confusion and erode public confidence in the initiative. It therefore advised members of the public to rely solely on verified information released through FAAN’s official communication channels.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and passenger safety, FAAN noted that the cashless transition is designed not only to streamline transactions but also to strengthen accountability and reduce operational risks associated with cash handling.
The statement was signed by Henry Agbebire, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, who encouraged the public to seek clarification through official platforms whenever doubts arise about airport-related communications.
The clarification comes at a time when digital payment systems are becoming standard across global aviation hubs, with airport authorities increasingly adopting contactless technologies to improve service delivery and security standards.
