Lagos, March 21, 2025.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Command, has handed over $578,000 in seized cash to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after a passenger failed to fully declare the amount, officials announced on Friday.
The passenger, a male traveler who arrived in Lagos from Johannesburg on South African Airways Flight SA60, initially declared $279,000 at the airport’s currency declaration desk. However, during a routine inspection, customs officials discovered an additional $299,000 hidden in multiple packages, bringing the total to $578,000.
Authorities also found €100 and a counterfeit $250 bill among the undeclared cash.
Effiong Harrison, Comptroller of the MMIA Command, who supervised the handover to the EFCC, said the passenger’s actions violated the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act of 2011, which requires travelers carrying more than $10,000 or its equivalent in foreign currency to declare it to customs.
“This is a clear violation of Nigeria’s financial regulations,” Harrison said. “The suspect attempted to conceal a significant amount of cash to evade scrutiny. His failure to comply with the law has led to the seizure of the funds and further investigation.”
Harrison added that the suspect’s international passport and other documents had also been handed over to the EFCC for legal action.
Crackdown on Financial Crimes
Customs officials emphasized that financial crimes, including money laundering, pose a threat to Nigeria’s economy and investor confidence. Harrison reiterated the command’s commitment to enforcing the law and curbing illicit financial flows through Lagos’ international airport.
“We are committed to ensuring Nigeria remains a safe and credible investment destination,” Harrison said. “Attempts to abuse the system for personal gain will not be tolerated.”
The EFCC, Nigeria’s leading anti-corruption agency, has taken over the investigation. Ahmed Ghali, Acting Director of the EFCC’s Lagos Office 2, praised customs officers for their vigilance and reminded travelers to comply with currency declaration laws.
“No one is prohibited from carrying cash, but full disclosure is mandatory,” Ghali stated. “Honest declaration prevents legal issues, but any attempt to evade the law will face serious consequences.”
The EFCC will now investigate the source of the funds and determine whether the suspect is part of a larger money laundering operation. The identity of the passenger has not been disclosed.
Ongoing Enforcement Efforts
The seizure underscores the Nigerian government’s ongoing efforts to combat financial crimes and promote transparency in financial transactions. Airports remain critical points for intercepting undeclared funds linked to money laundering and other illicit activities.
Officials urge travelers to comply with financial reporting laws to avoid legal penalties as the investigation continues.
