The Nigeria Customs Service has seized $2.2m in undeclared cash at airports between January and July 2025, urging travelers to comply with currency declaration rules.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted undeclared foreign currencies totalling $2.209m across major airports in the country between January and July 2025.
Reports show the seizures were made at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, and Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano.
In March, $1,154,900 and SR135,900 concealed in packs of palm dates were intercepted in Kano from a passenger arriving from Saudi Arabia. The suspect was arrested and the funds forfeited to the Federal Government after court conviction.
Other interceptions included $193,000 hidden in yoghurt cartons at Abuja Airport, and $578,000 falsely declared at Lagos Airport by a passenger from South Africa. In July, currencies worth about N653.99m were seized at Kano.
Customs stakeholders attributed the trend to fiscal policy gaps. The NCS reiterated that travelers must declare cash above $10,000 or equivalent and urged public compliance.