Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The management of Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2) in Lagos has confirmed that its multi-storey car park will transition to a cashless payment system effective Monday, March 23, 2026, in a move aimed at improving operational efficiency and aligning with broader national policies promoting electronic transactions.
Operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, the terminal is situated within the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and serves as one of the country’s busiest domestic aviation hubs. The introduction of a cashless system at such a high-traffic facility marks a significant operational shift with implications for passengers, airport workers, and service providers.
According to the terminal’s management, all payments for parking within the multi-storey facility will now be made electronically through bank cards, point-of-sale terminals, and other approved digital channels. The initiative is designed to streamline entry and exit processes, reduce waiting times, and enhance overall efficiency within the parking system.
To ease the transition, officials indicated that a temporary adjustment arrangement will be in place. During this period, cash payments will still be accepted at the rooftop level of the car park, while other sections will operate strictly under the cashless model. This phased approach is intended to give users time to adapt and minimize disruption in the early stages of implementation.
The development comes amid wider efforts across Nigeria’s aviation sector to embrace digital payment systems. Earlier attempts at enforcing cashless transactions in airport environments, particularly at facilities managed by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, encountered operational challenges, including congestion and delays linked to technical issues and limited user preparedness.
These experiences have underscored the importance of proper planning, user education, and system reliability in the rollout of digital payment systems. Observers note that MMA2’s relatively autonomous structure may allow it to implement the policy more gradually and with greater flexibility compared to government-operated terminals.
Management at MMA2 emphasized that beyond convenience, the cashless system is expected to improve transparency in revenue collection and reduce risks associated with cash handling. Digital transaction records will provide clearer accountability and enhance monitoring of activities within the parking facility.
The terminal handles significant daily traffic, with dozens of flight departures and a steady flow of passengers and visitors. Efficient parking operations are therefore considered critical to maintaining smooth airport functionality, particularly in Lagos, where congestion remains a persistent challenge.
Industry stakeholders have largely welcomed the initiative, describing it as consistent with global best practices in airport management. Many international airports have adopted similar systems to improve efficiency, reduce human error, and enhance the user experience.
However, concerns remain about inclusivity, particularly for individuals who may not have immediate access to digital payment tools. While electronic transactions are increasingly common in urban centers, there is still a segment of the population that relies heavily on cash. Addressing this gap will be essential to ensuring a smooth transition.
In response, MMA2 management has indicated that support measures will be introduced to assist users. Staff will be deployed to guide motorists through the payment process, and clear instructions will be provided across the facility to help users navigate the new system.
The move also aligns with the broader cashless policy drive of the Central Bank of Nigeria, which aims to modernize the financial system, reduce reliance on physical cash, and improve economic transparency.
For airport users, the success of the initiative will depend largely on how seamlessly the system operates once fully implemented. While digital payments offer speed and convenience, initial challenges such as network reliability and user adaptation could influence early experiences.
As the rollout date approaches, attention is focused on whether MMA2 can avoid the disruptions previously seen in similar transitions and establish a model for effective implementation. If successful, the system could set a precedent for other airports and public facilities across Nigeria.
The introduction of a cashless parking system at MMA2 represents a broader shift toward digitization in Nigeria’s infrastructure and service delivery. It reflects an ongoing effort to integrate technology into everyday operations, improve efficiency, and align with global standards.
As with many technological transitions, the coming weeks will be critical in determining the long-term impact of the policy. For now, the initiative stands as a notable step in Nigeria’s gradual move toward a more digitally driven economy.
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