The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has reaffirmed that all air travellers must declare cash exceeding $10,000 (or its equivalent) when travelling through Nigeria’s international airports.
Gatekeepers News reports that this reminder was delivered by Maryesther Eworitse, Deputy General Manager of the NFIU’s Currency Operations Department at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), during a two-day capacity-building workshop in Lagos.
According to a statement by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the NFIU’s position aligns with ongoing efforts to curb money laundering and terrorism financing.
Eworitse commended the NCS for strengthening inter-agency collaboration, noting that recent joint intelligence operations have uncovered suspicious cash movements, including one case involving over $6 million detected at the Lagos airport.
“The NFIU has installed currency declaration kiosks at international terminals and intensified public sensitisation to remind travellers of the mandatory declaration of cash above $10,000,” she said.
The NCS said it is partnering with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the NFIU to reinforce Nigeria’s anti-money laundering framework.
Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, ACG Mohammed Babandede, said the collaboration underscores the importance of inter-agency synergy in protecting the country’s financial integrity.
“The selection of participants was deliberate, focusing on officers from airports and land borders where cash movement and human traffic are high,” Babandede explained. “The training will enable participants to exchange ideas and develop actionable outcomes.”
He reaffirmed the Customs Service’s commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders against illicit financial flows, urging officers to apply the knowledge gained to strengthen compliance and vigilance.
Also speaking, Shehu Muhammad, Head of Investigations at the EFCC Lagos Zonal Office, highlighted the need for continued cooperation among agencies.
“The Customs Service plays a lead role in the currency declaration regime, while the EFCC handles investigations and prosecutions. Strengthening inter-agency synergy will improve our effectiveness,” he said.
The workshop drew participants from the NCS, EFCC, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and NFIU, reflecting a coordinated approach to fighting financial crimes.
Background
In July 2025, the NCS and partner agencies held a sensitisation session for international airline operators at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to improve compliance with currency declaration regulations.
Authorities reminded travellers that anyone carrying more than $10,000 or its equivalent must declare it to customs officials. Non-compliance could lead to seizure, investigation, or prosecution under Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws.
