Customs Cracks Down on Cash Smuggling Through Airlines

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a direct sensitisation campaign targeting international airline operators, urging stricter enforcement of currency declaration rules.

The exercise which is a renewed effort to curb illicit financial flows and tighten Nigeria’s border controls, held in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, and airline representatives at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at the weekend.

The move is part of broader anti-money laundering measures amid rising concerns over terrorism financing and cross-border cash smuggling.

Airline operators were tasked with greater responsibility in ensuring passengers are adequately informed about the requirement to declare cash exceeding $10,000 (or its equivalent).

According to a statement on Monday by Customs spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada, Customs officials said airlines must now incorporate in-flight announcements, distribute declaration forms onboard, and fully cooperate with Customs checks upon arrival.

“The commitment of the airlines is crucial,” said Salihu Mas’ud, Assistant Comptroller of Customs and head of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Unit.

“We now have dedicated search rooms, declaration posts, and announcement systems at the airport. The airlines have agreed to complement this by ensuring compliance onboard.”

He notes that with enhanced surveillance tools already in place, the focus is now on accountability and real-time detection.

“Higher compliance will not only improve enforcement, but also ensure violators are quickly identified and subjected to investigation and prosecution,” he added.

Customs also reminded airlines of their obligation to submit detailed electronic passenger manifests ahead of arrival.

These records — including names, countries of origin, and flight numbers — allow for targeted risk assessments and more effective border control.

The NCS said the initiative underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation and sustained partnerships with key aviation stakeholders to stop the flow of illicit funds through Nigeria’s borders.