The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made a significant breakthrough in its fight against illicit financial flows, announcing the interception of a staggering $2.2 million in undeclared cash from the country's major airports within a seven-month period.
Major Cash Interceptions Across Airports
This revelation was made public by the Comptroller General of the NCS, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, during the recent quarterly stakeholders’ engagement on presidential priorities in Abuja. The event, themed “Leveraging Public Feedback to Drive Excellence in Aviation Services,” highlighted the Service's intensified efforts. Represented by Comptroller Haniel Hadison, the CG detailed several high-profile interceptions that contributed to the total.
On March 20, 2025, officers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja uncovered $193,000 cleverly concealed within a carton of yoghurt. In a separate incident at the Kano airport, a passenger arriving from Saudi Arabia was found with $1,154,900 and SR135,900 in Saudi Riyals. Furthermore, the Lagos Airport was the scene of another major seizure where $578,000 in falsely declared cash was intercepted from an inbound passenger from South Africa. The total value of foreign currencies seized at Kano airport alone was a massive N653.99 million.
Enhanced Security and Revenue Generation
Comptroller Hadison emphasized that the Service's strict enforcement of currency declaration laws has been pivotal in strengthening border security. He also highlighted the success of collaborative efforts with agencies like the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). This synergy has led to the seizure of drones, arms, and endangered wildlife products, effectively disrupting criminal networks.
On the revenue front, the NCS reported a monumental achievement, generating N3.7 trillion in the first half of the year. A notable contributor was the Lagos Airport Area Command, which contributed N97.16 billion, marking a 20.92% increase from the previous year. Additionally, the Service seized contraband goods, including foreign rice and unregistered pharmaceuticals, worth over N1.2 billion.
Technology and Future Outlook
The adoption of advanced technology has been a game-changer for the NCS. The deployment of scanners like the Orion 928DX has enabled faster threat detection, reducing the need for physical checks and improving the passenger experience. The Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) pilot program has also yielded impressive results, slashing cargo clearance time from about 168 hours to just 43 hours.
Looking forward, the Nigeria Customs Service plans to deepen its collaboration with aviation stakeholders to further streamline inspections, enhance security protocols, and facilitate legitimate trade, reinforcing its commitment to protecting Nigeria's economic integrity.
