The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted $2.2 million undeclared cash at airports nationwide in 7 months.
NCS comptroller-general, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, announced the figures during a quarterly stakeholders’ engagement on presidential priorities and ministerial deliverables in Abuja.
The session was themed Leveraging Public Feedback to Drive Excellence in Aviation Services.
Adeniyi highlighted notable seizures between January and July 2025, including $193,000 hidden in a carton of yoghurt at Nnamdi Azikiwe international airport, Abuja, on March 20, 2025.
At Kano airport, customs officers intercepted $1,154,900 and SR135,900 (Saudi Riyals) from a passenger arriving from Saudi Arabia, while Lagos airport saw $578,000 in falsely declared cash from an inbound passenger from South Africa.
The customs chief emphasized that collaboration with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has enabled the seizure of drones, firearms, and endangered wildlife products, effectively dismantling criminal networks.
“Our enforcement of currency declaration laws and end-user certificate requirements has strengthened border security.
“These achievements reflect the power of collaboration and the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations.
“Every seizure is a testament to vigilance, teamwork, and the unwavering commitment of our officers to protect Nigeria’s aviation corridors,” Adeniyi said.
He also highlighted technological advancements such as the Orion 928DX scanner, which detects threats faster, reduces physical inspections, and enhances passenger experience.
In trade facilitation, Adeniyi noted milestones achieved under the guided trade initiative and Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) pilot program.
Chinwe Ezenwa became the first woman to export goods under the initiative, while the AEO pilot reduced cargo clearance time by 66.9%, from 168 hours to just 43 hours.
He stated that the introduction of a one-stop-shop platform streamlined multiple checks into a single hub, cutting delays and boosting efficiency.
On revenue generation, NCS recorded ₦3.7 trillion in the first half of 2025, surpassing budget targets by 12.5% and outperforming collections in 2024 by 25%.
The Murtala Muhammed international airport area command alone contributed ₦97.16 billion, marking a 20.92% increase from the previous year.
Adeniyi stressed that these achievements not only facilitate trade but also strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional economic leader and promote continental integration.
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