Air passengers must declare cash above $10,000, NFIU warns
The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit has confirmed that all travelers flying internationally must declare any cash amounts over $10,000 when checking in for their flights.This mandate was emphasized by Maryesther Eworitse, the Deputy General Manager of the Currency Operations Department at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, during a two-day workshop focused on capacity building in Lagos, as reported by the Nigerian Customs Service.
During the event, the NCS highlighted its partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the NFIU to enhance Nigeria's framework for combating money laundering and terrorism financing.
Eworitse, representing the NFIU, praised the NCS for fostering improved inter-agency cooperation. She disclosed that recent joint intelligence initiatives had revealed suspicious cash transfers, including one case involving over $6 million at the Lagos airport.
She mentioned, “The NFIU has set up currency declaration kiosks at international terminals and has stepped up public awareness efforts to remind travelers of the obligation to declare cash amounts above $10,000.”
In addition, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Zone A, Mohammed Babandede, who spoke on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, stated that the collaboration underscores the crucial importance of inter-agency teamwork in combating money laundering and financing of terrorism.
ACG Babandede remarked that inter-agency collaboration is a key priority for the Comptroller-General’s administration and noted that such partnerships have significantly bolstered national security initiatives.
He stated that workshop participants included representatives from the NCS, EFCC, Department of State Services, Nigerian Immigration Service, and NFIU, demonstrating a collective resolve to confront financial crimes.
He explained, “The choice of participants was intentional, aimed at officers operating in airports and land borders where cash and human movements are prevalent. This training will allow attendees to share ideas and formulate actionable strategies.”
He reiterated the Service’s dedication to protecting Nigeria's borders from illegal financial activities and encouraged participants to implement the insights they gained to enhance vigilance and adherence within their respective units.
Furthermore, the Head of Investigations at the EFCC Lagos Zonal Office, Shehu Muhammad, emphasized the necessity of cooperation to dismantle intricate financial crime networks.
"Muhammad stated, ‘The Nigeria Customs Service is pivotal in the currency declaration system, while the EFCC is responsible for investigations and prosecutions. Enhancing our inter-agency collaboration will boost our efficiency.’”
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