The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that its officers confiscated foreign currencies worth $2.209 million that were not declared at major airports in the country between January and July 2025.
According to details from the service, the interceptions occurred at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, and Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano.
One of the most significant incidents was recorded in March at Kano Airport, where officers seized $1,154,900 and SR135,900 hidden inside packs of palm dates from a passenger who had just arrived from Saudi Arabia. The individual was taken into custody, and the cash was turned over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), resulting in a conviction and forfeiture to the Federal Government.
That same month, officials at Abuja Airport discovered $193,000 stuffed in a carton of yoghurt, while Lagos Airport authorities intercepted $578,000 from an arriving passenger from South Africa. The traveller had declared $279,000 but was concealing an additional $299,000.
In July, Kano Airport authorities uncovered foreign currencies equivalent to ₦653.99 million, including $420,900, 3.95 million West African CFA francs, 224,000 Central African CFA francs, and €5,825. Similarly, in Lagos, an outbound passenger declared $6,000 but was found carrying $29,000.
Industry stakeholders have linked the trend to systemic challenges. Pius Ujubuonu, a senior figure in the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, argued that policy inconsistencies fuel these infractions. “Anywhere you have high rates of circumvention, there is something that does not add up,” he said, calling for a policy review to enhance compliance.
Segun Musa, Deputy National President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, said the issue was also tied to poor public awareness. “We need more rigorous campaigns to make the general public aware of the rules,” Musa noted, adding that every seizure should trigger a thorough investigation.
The NCS has restated that travellers carrying more than $10,000 or its equivalent must declare the amount, with declaration forms available at airline counters for proper documentation.
