Customs seizes $2.2m undeclared cash at airports in 7 months

By Durosimi Temitope

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has confiscated undeclared foreign currencies worth more than $2.2 million from travelers at three major international airports between January and July 2025.

The seizures, carried out at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos), Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (Abuja), and Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (Kano), highlight a rising trend of cash smuggling through Nigeria’s air borders.

One of the largest interceptions was recorded in Kano in March, when officers discovered $1.15 million and 135,900 Saudi Riyals hidden inside packages of palm dates from a passenger arriving from Saudi Arabia.

Speaking on the seizure, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said the operation reflects the Service’s commitment to curbing illicit financial flows and enforcing Nigeria’s cash declaration laws.

At the Abuja airport, customs officials also intercepted $193,000 concealed in a carton of yogurt. In Lagos, an inbound passenger from South Africa declared only $279,000 but was later caught with an additional $299,000, bringing the total seizure to $578,000.

In July, Kano airport again recorded a multi-currency bust involving $420,900, 3.95 million West African CFA francs, 224,000 Central African CFA francs, and €5,825, with a combined value estimated at N653.9 million. That same month in Lagos, an outbound passenger was found carrying $29,000 but had declared just $6,000.

Industry observers believe the frequent interceptions expose weaknesses in compliance with cash declaration rules.

Some experts have also called for stronger public awareness to educate travelers on proper procedures when transporting large sums.

The Nigeria Customs Service reminded passengers that under Nigerian law, any amount above $10,000 or its equivalent must be declared at airport counters before departure or upon arrival.