The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has held a sensitisation exercise for international airline operators at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to strengthen the country’s anti-money laundering efforts.
The session aimed to raise awareness on the importance of enforcing Nigeria’s currency declaration laws among inbound and outbound travellers.
Officials emphasized that any passenger carrying over $10,000 or its equivalent is required to make a declaration to the authorities.
Failure to comply could result in seizure, investigation, and prosecution under Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws. Airline personnel were reminded of their role in ensuring compliance, including making in-flight announcements and distributing declaration forms.
The NCS also discussed additional requirements, including the mandatory submission of electronic manifests (e-Manifests) before aircraft arrival and complete passenger details.
These records enable customs and security officers to conduct targeted risk assessments and enhance border surveillance operations.
Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Salihu Mas’ud, expressed confidence in the outcomes of the sensitisation exercise, stating that it would lead to higher compliance and strengthen the enforcement mechanism.
He noted that the NCS has implemented several operational tools to support effective enforcement, including dedicated search rooms and posts for currency declarations.
The sensitisation session highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration in securing Nigeria’s borders and preventing illicit financial flows.
The NCS emphasized that sustained partnerships with airline operators, airport authorities, and intelligence agencies will remain key to its success in combating terrorism financing and smuggling of undeclared funds.
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