Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued a warning to international airline operators, urging them to ensure strict compliance with currency declaration regulations for inbound and outbound passengers.

It gave the warning at a sensitisation event held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where Customs officials, in collaboration with other security and regulatory agencies, outlined the critical role of airlines in enforcing the law. Airlines were directed to ensure in-flight announcements, 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 trigger seizures, criminal investigations, and prosecution in line 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 said the Service had rolled out multiple enforcement mechanisms, including dedicated search rooms, declaration desks, and airport-wide announcements.

According to him, 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 the records were critical for real-time risk assessment and border security.