The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has announced that travelers arriving at or departing from international airports in Nigeria must declare any cash exceeding $10,000. This directive is part of a collaborative effort with the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to strengthen the country’s anti‑money‑laundering and counter‑terrorism‑financing framework.
Maryesther Eworitse, Deputy General Manager of the Currency Operations Department at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, said the NFIU has installed currency‑declaration kiosks at international terminals to facilitate compliance. She noted that recent joint intelligence operations have uncovered suspicious cash movements, including a case involving more than $6 million at Lagos airport. The NFIU has intensified public sensitisation to remind travelers of the mandatory $10,000 cash declaration.
The initiative follows a partnership between the NCS, EFCC and NFIU that hosted a two‑day capacity‑building workshop in Lagos. The workshop aimed to strengthen institutional cooperation, improve compliance with financial regulations, and enhance Nigeria’s resilience against money laundering, terrorism financing and other cross‑border financial crimes. Participants included representatives from the NCS, EFCC, Department of State Services, Nigerian Immigration Service and NFIU, and focused on inter‑agency collaboration and the exchange of ideas to develop actionable outcomes.
Assistant Comptroller‑General of Customs Mohammed Babandede emphasized the importance of inter‑agency collaboration in combating money laundering and terrorism financing, noting that such partnerships have significantly contributed to national security efforts. EFCC Head of Investigations Shehu Muhammad also stressed the crucial role of synergy in dismantling sophisticated financial‑crime networks.
The mandatory declaration of cash above $10,000 at international airports is a significant step toward combating financial crimes in Nigeria. The collaboration between the NFIU, NCS and EFCC demonstrates the government’s commitment to securing the country’s borders against illicit financial flows. As Nigeria continues to strengthen its anti‑money‑laundering and counter‑terrorism‑financing framework, travelers can expect increased vigilance and compliance measures at international airports.
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