The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and other key stakeholders, recently held a conference in Lagos aimed at reinforcing measures to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
At the anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing event, Customs Area Comptroller Effiong Harrison emphasized the importance of rigorous enforcement of declaration requirements for foreign currency, negotiable instruments, precious stones, and metals. He highlighted the significant progress achieved since the initial sensitization earlier in the year, noting multiple interceptions of false or non-declared currencies. Those apprehended were referred to the EFCC for legal proceedings.
Harrison called for heightened vigilance as Nigeria moves into the second half of 2025, underscoring the mission to restore international confidence by safeguarding the security of the country’s primary air border.
EFCC Assistant Commander Ibinabo Amachree explained that non-declaration of funds above the permitted threshold constitutes a strict liability offense under the Money Laundering Act. It is punishable regardless of the individual’s awareness of the law—under the offence, even legitimately sourced funds can lead to prosecution if not properly declared.
NFIU Chief Analyst Yepin Jacob urged airline and airport authorities to adopt stronger compliance practices. He recommended distributing customs declaration forms during flights, making regular announcements, and ensuring clear signage at international terminals to inform travelers of their obligations.
NDLEA Commander at MMIA, Ahmadu Garba, reinforced the point that drug trafficking cases often overlap with financial crimes and highlighted the value of utilizing pre-arrival intelligence—such as travelers’ backgrounds, travel histories, and financial behaviour—to detect threats before arrival.
The conference culminated in the symbolic handover of an undeclared sum of $29,000, seized at the airport, to EFCC officers by the Customs command—demonstrating ongoing operational collaboration against illicit financial flows.
By tightening airport surveillance and raising awareness among travelers and airlines, Nigerian authorities are stepping up to strengthen border security and combat financial crimes.
