FAAN, Customs Unite to Remove Nigeria from FATF Greylist

BY ANTHONY OMOH

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) are working together to meet the compliance standards of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Their joint efforts aim to ensure Nigeria exit FATF greylist status through the use of technology and improved border control procedures.

This followed a joint working visit to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, led by Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku and Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.

The inspection covered passenger and cargo terminals, with both agencies highlighting reforms being implemented to meet global compliance standards ahead of a pending Financial Action Task Force (FATF) assessment.

The FATF greylist includes countries placed under increased monitoring for strategic deficiencies in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing systems. While not blacklisted, such countries face greater scrutiny and reputational risk in global trade and finance.

Speaking during the inspection, CG Adeniyi emphasized the importance of synergy between Customs and airport authorities. “Our collaboration helps secure Nigeria’s borders while also improving passenger experience. The goal is to uphold security without unnecessary delays,” he said.

A key development discussed was the improvement in currency declaration procedures. Comptroller General Adeniyi expressed satisfaction with FAAN’s provision of designated areas for passengers to make accurate financial declarations. “We are happy with the structure FAAN has created, which includes both in-person and out-of-home declaration points,” he said.

He added that regular announcements now remind passengers of their duty to declare amounts above \$10,000. According to him, these steps align with FATF compliance expectations and represent a clear effort to reduce exposure to illicit financial flows.

Looking ahead, Adeniyi noted that automation would be key in further easing the declaration process. “Ultimately, we hope to manage declarations through data collected from passenger arrival cards,” he said. While this remains a work in progress, the recent introduction of E-gates marks a step toward digitizing border procedures. “The deployment of technology makes our job easier and gives us optimal results,” he explained.

FAAN Managing Director Kuku emphasized the agency’s ongoing efforts to streamline airport operations. “We’ve reduced touchpoints, enhanced screening, and improved the passenger journey through targeted investments. The E-gates project is only the beginning,” she said.

She stressed the importance of passenger awareness. “We are educating travelers at multiple points—arrival, departure, and throughout the terminal—on the need to declare currency where necessary,” she added.

At the cargo terminal, both leaders assessed infrastructure and trade processes. CG Adeniyi noted that terminal operators are showing more commitment to exports. “The Nigeria Customs Service is supporting this effort with the right policies and faster clearance processes,” he said.

He also announced that non-intrusive inspection technologies will soon be introduced at more airports. “We’re testing solutions in Lagos that will eventually be rolled out nationwide to ensure uniformity and efficiency,” he said.

MD Kuku added that FAAN views cargo operations as central to Nigeria’s future trade growth. “Our collaboration with Customs will help eliminate delays and make Nigerian exports more competitive globally,” she said.

Preparations are underway for a scheduled FATF evaluation. Adeniyi expressed confidence in Nigeria’s readiness. “We believe the steps taken so far—including better structures, joint inspections, and process digitization—position Nigeria for removal from the greylist,” he said.

He concluded by reaffirming the importance of technology. “Automation of currency declarations and passenger screening helps eliminate bottlenecks. Technology is the bridge to stronger compliance,” he stated.

MD Kuku echoed this, saying, “We are building a system where compliance and convenience work side by side. The partnership with Customs is essential.”

With these coordinated reforms, structured passenger facilitation, and enhanced trade protocols, both FAAN and Customs remain confident that Nigeria exit FATF greylist status is achievable soon.