In a renewed effort to bolster Nigeria’s fight against money laundering, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with other law enforcement and regulatory agencies, conducted a sensitisation exercise for international airline operators at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on July 5, 2025.
The session focused on enhancing awareness of the country’s currency declaration laws among inbound and outbound passengers. It stressed the critical role airline staff play in compliance, particularly through in-flight announcements, distribution of declaration forms, and cooperation with customs during routine checks.
Officials reiterated that any traveller carrying more than $10,000—or its equivalent—must declare it to authorities. Failure to comply, they warned, could lead to seizure of the funds, investigations, and possible prosecution under Nigeria’s anti-money laundering legislation.
Also highlighted was the mandatory submission of electronic passenger manifests (e-Manifests) before aircraft arrival. These records must include complete passenger details such as names, countries of origin and destination, and flight numbers, enabling customs and security agencies to carry out targeted risk assessments and enhance border security.
Salihu Mas’ud, Assistant Comptroller of Customs and head of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Unit, led the session. He expressed optimism about the initiative’s impact, stating that key enforcement mechanisms are already in place.
“We’ve conducted inspections across key points. Dedicated search rooms for secondary screenings are operational, and currency declaration posts have been set up. Public address systems now broadcast relevant announcements, and airline operators have pledged to include such messages on board,” Mas’ud said.
He added that the Customs Service expects improved compliance as a result of the engagement, which will, in turn, strengthen enforcement capacity and facilitate the prompt detection and prosecution of offenders.
The exercise also underscored the importance of inter-agency coordination in protecting Nigeria’s borders and combating illicit financial activities. Given the rising concerns around terrorism financing and the movement of undeclared funds, the NCS affirmed that sustained partnerships with airline operators, airport management, and intelligence units remain crucial to national security efforts.
