Enforce Currency Rules or Face Penalties, NCAA Tells Airlines

BY ANTHONY OMOH

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed all international airlines flying into Nigeria to ensure strict compliance with currency declaration laws. This reminder, dated July 21, 2025, was signed by Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu.

The Authority stressed that this order reinforces an earlier directive (Ref: NCAA/CPD/ABV/298, dated April 24, 2025). It mandates that airlines inform inbound passengers of legal currency reporting obligations as part of Nigeria’s broader anti-money laundering reforms.

In the letter, the NCAA explained that the directive is tied to Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework. These efforts are aligned with international protocols set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

International airlines are required to announce, before landing, that passengers must declare any cash or Bearer Negotiable Instruments (BNIs) exceeding $10,000 or the equivalent. In addition, airlines must distribute declaration forms onboard for passengers to complete before arrival.

The NCAA disclosed that some airlines have failed to implement these measures. It warned that authorities are now actively monitoring all incoming flights for adherence.

The Authority stated firmly, “Full implementation of this directive is of utmost importance. Non-compliant airlines will face appropriate sanctions without exception.”

This action comes at a critical time, as Nigeria intensifies its campaign to meet global financial and security standards. The focus is to address key issues raised by the FATF, which placed Nigeria on its greylist in an earlier assessment.

Countries on the FATF greylist are subjected to increased monitoring due to gaps in their systems for combating money laundering and terrorism financing. While not considered high-risk, these countries face delays in international transactions and reputational damage.

As part of the national response, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have intensified collaboration. A joint inspection of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, was recently carried out to review border control operations.

The team was led by Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, and Comptroller General of Customs, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi. Also present was Regional General Manager (South West), Mr. Olatokunbo Arewa, and officials from other security agencies.

The inspection covered both cargo and passenger terminals. It highlighted the use of advanced monitoring systems and cross-agency coordination to improve compliance and plug operational loopholes.

Mrs. Kuku noted that the partnership between FAAN and Customs is focused on strengthening national security and restoring international trust in Nigeria’s airports. Mr. Adeniyi added that Customs is working to streamline processes and ensure every point of entry aligns with FATF standards.

Within this broader initiative, the role of international airlines is now more crucial than ever. The NCAA underlined that airlines are on the frontline of compliance enforcement, especially regarding currency declarations.

“Any airline that fails to implement this directive is not only violating national regulations but also threatening Nigeria’s financial reputation,” the Authority emphasized.

The emphasis on compliance with currency declaration will continue to shape Nigeria’s engagement with international oversight bodies. Authorities have made it clear that defaulting airlines will not escape sanctions.

With a fresh FATF assessment approaching, the NCAA, FAAN, and Customs are intensifying joint strategies. These are aimed at ensuring Nigeria exits the greylist and restores full standing in the global financial system.