To curb illicit financial flows and enforce Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued a stern warning to international airline operators, urging them to strictly adhere to currency declaration regulations for both inbound and outbound passengers.

At a high-level sensitisation held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Customs officials, in collaboration with other security and regulatory agencies, outlined the critical role of airlines in enforcing the law.

Airlines were instructed to ensure that in-flight announcements were made, distribute declaration forms, and fully cooperate during customs checks.

According to NCS, passengers travelling with more than $10,000 or its equivalent are required by law to declare such funds. Customs warned that non-compliance would result in seizures, criminal investigations, and prosecution in accordance with anti-money laundering and terrorism financing legislation.

Assistant Comptroller of Customs in charge of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Unit, Salihu Mas’ud, led the exercise and stated that the Service had implemented multiple enforcement mechanisms, including dedicated search rooms, declaration desks, and airport-wide announcements.

“We have sensitised all relevant points. There are designated rooms for secondary searches and currency declaration posts are in place. We’ve also secured airline operators’ commitment to onboard announcements,” Mas’ud said.

He added that with improved surveillance, the NCS expects a surge in compliance, enabling faster detection and prosecution of violators.

Airlines were also reminded of their obligation to submit electronic passenger manifests (e-Manifests) before arrival, including full details such as names, countries of origin and destination, and flight numbers. Customs said these records are critical for real-time risk assessment and border security.

The agency stressed that tighter collaboration between airline operators, airport authorities, and intelligence agencies remains essential in combating smuggling, terrorist financing, and cross-border financial crimes.