The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted undeclared cash worth $2.209 million across major airports between January and July 2025. The seizures took place at Lagos, Abuja, and Kano international airports.
In March, officers at Kano airport intercepted $1,154,900 and SR135,900 concealed in packs of palm dates from a passenger arriving from Saudi Arabia. The suspect was arrested, and the funds were handed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), leading to a conviction and forfeiture to the Federal Government.
At Abuja airport the same month, customs officers discovered $193,000 hidden in a carton of yoghurt from an inbound passenger arriving from Jeddah.
In Lagos, officials intercepted $578,000 from a traveller arriving from South Africa. The passenger declared $279,000 but concealed an additional $299,000 in multiple packages.
Another major interception occurred in July at Kano, where customs seized foreign currencies worth about ₦653.99m, including $420,900, 3,946,500 West African CFA francs, 224,000 Central African CFA francs, and €5,825. In Lagos, an outbound passenger was also caught with $29,000, but only declared $6,000.
Reacting to the development, Mr Pius Ujubuonu of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents linked the rise in undeclared cash seizures to gaps in fiscal policy. He urged the government to review its policies to encourage proper declarations.
Deputy National President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Dr Segun Musa, stressed the need for more public awareness. He called for rigorous campaigns and thorough investigations to determine appropriate punishments.
The NCS reiterated that travellers must declare any cash above $10,000 or its equivalent. Forms are available at airline counters to facilitate lawful declarations.