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NCAA directs airlines to enforce $10,000 currency declaration rule

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed all international airlines operating in the country to strictly enforce the $10,000 currency declaration requirement for inbound passengers.
The directive, dated April 24, 2025, aimed to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-money laundering efforts and align with international financial standards.
The move aimed to bolster Nigeria’s anti-money laundering efforts and align with international financial standards, NCAA spokesman Michael Achimugu, said in a statement Tuesday.
The directive mandated international airlines to announce, either inflight or pre-landing, the legal obligation for passengers to declare cash or negotiable instruments exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent.
It also required them to distribute currency declaration forms onboard for passengers to complete before arrival.
Achimugu noted that some airlines have yet to comply, despite earlier notifications.
The NCAA warned that compliance will be strictly monitored, stressing that non-compliant airlines will face sanctions.
It reiterated that airline cooperation is crucial in supporting Nigeria’s efforts to meet global financial regulations.
The NCAA’s directive is part of 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 has warned that compliance will be strictly monitored, and non-compliant airlines will face sanctions.
The authority emphasised that airline cooperation is crucial in supporting Nigeria’s efforts to meet global financial regulations ².
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently secured a conviction and full forfeiture order against a passenger, Salisu Ahmad, for failing to declare foreign currencies worth over N653 million.
Ahmad was intercepted during a routine check on July 7, 2025, with undeclared funds, including $420,900, £5,825, and over CFA 4 million, concealed in his luggage.

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