Nigeria Customs intercepts $2.2M undeclared cash at major airports

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reported significant enforcement successes at major airports across the country, intercepting $2.2 million in undeclared cash between January and July 2025. This robust crackdown underscores the NCS's commitment to strengthening border security and combating illicit financial flows within Nigeria's aviation sector. The operations, conducted in collaboration with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and other agencies, also led to the seizure of drones, arms, and endangered wildlife products, signaling a broader effort to secure national airspace and prevent smuggling.

Specific incidents highlighted by Comptroller Haniel Hadison, Officer in charge of Special Duties headquarters, Abuja, include the seizure of $193,000 concealed in a carton of yoghurt at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. Additionally, $1,154,900 and SR135,900 in Saudi Riyals were intercepted at Kano airport from a passenger arriving from Saudi Arabia, while $578,000 in falsely declared cash was seized from an inbound passenger at Lagos Airport arriving from South Africa. These incidents demonstrate the varied methods employed by smugglers and the vigilance of customs officials.

The NCS attributes its operational effectiveness to intelligence-driven missions, which are increasingly shaped by citizen insights and inter-agency collaboration. The deployment of advanced scanning technology, such as the Orion 928DX, has significantly enhanced threat detection capabilities, reducing the need for physical checks and improving passenger experience while maintaining stringent security standards. This technological integration is crucial for processing high volumes of passengers and cargo efficiently at key international gateways.

Beyond enforcement, the NCS also reported strong revenue generation, exceeding its budget targets. In the first half of 2025, the service generated N3.7 trillion, surpassing budget targets by 12.5 percent and outperforming 2024 collections by 25 percent. The Murtala Muhammed International Airport Area Command alone contributed N97.16 billion, marking a 20.92 percent increase from the previous year. These figures reflect not only improved operational efficiency and strategic enforcement but also the significant economic contribution of airport-based customs activities to the Nigerian economy. The NCS remains committed to making customs services faster, cheaper, and more predictable without compromising security or revenue objectives.