The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed all international airlines operating inbound flights to Nigeria to strictly enforce the $10,000 currency declaration requirement for passengers arriving with large sums of cash or Bearer Negotiable Instruments (BNIs).
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In a statement issued Tuesday and signed by Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the NCAA reminded airlines of their legal obligations under an earlier directive dated April 24, 2025 (REF: NCAA/CPD/ABV/298), following reports of growing non-compliance.
The directive mandates airlines to make onboard or pre-landing announcements notifying passengers of the requirement to declare any currency or BNIs exceeding $10,000 (or its equivalent) upon arrival in Nigeria. Airlines are also expected to distribute declaration forms to support compliance.
“In line with Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework, in accordance with international standards and obligations, the NCAA reiterates the following directives to all international airlines,” the statement reads in part.
The authority warned that it would closely monitor airline compliance and impose sanctions on those who fail to adhere to the directive. It emphasized that enforcement is critical to meeting international financial standards and curbing illicit financial flows.
Flight crews are also expected to provide passengers with the necessary assistance to comply with the declaration process before landing.
The renewed directive comes just days after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured the conviction of one Salisu Ahmad, who was arrested at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport for failing to declare foreign currencies worth over ₦653 million.
Ahmad was intercepted on July 7, 2025, while arriving from Saudi Arabia on an Ethiopian Airlines flight. Authorities discovered $420,900, £5,825, and over CFA 4 million concealed in his luggage. He was convicted by the Federal High Court in Kano after pleading guilty to violating the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Two Nigerians who attempted to collect the undeclared funds from Ahmad at the airport were also apprehended.
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