The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) intercepted undeclared cash totaling $2.209 million between January and July 2025 at major airports in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano. Seizures included $1.15m and Saudi Riyals concealed in dates at Kano, $193,000 hidden in yoghurt cartons in Abuja, and $578,000 at Lagos airport where a passenger under-declared funds. In July, N653.99m worth of foreign currencies was also seized in Kano, while another Lagos passenger declared only $6,000 out of $29,000 in possession.
Officials handed over suspects and seized funds to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, with some cases leading to convictions and forfeitures. Customs reiterated that passengers must declare any cash above $10,000 or its equivalent and provided declaration forms at airline counters to ensure compliance.
Stakeholders linked the surge in undeclared cash to Nigeria’s fiscal policies. Customs agents and freight forwarders urged the government to review fiscal measures, intensify public awareness campaigns, and conduct thorough investigations into intercepted funds to ensure accountability and deterrence.
