The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a new directive mandating all international airlines arriving in the country to strictly enforce the rule requiring passengers to declare any currency or Bearer Negotiable Instruments (BNIs) exceeding $10,000. This move, which took effect immediately, forms part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to tighten controls on illicit financial flows and bolster its anti-money laundering measures.

NCAA Issues Renewed Warning to Airlines

The directive was detailed in a statement signed by Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA. It was also shared via the Authority’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, July 9, 2025. This latest order reiterates an earlier one dated April 24, 2025, referenced as NCAA/CPD/ABV/298, which airlines reportedly failed to fully comply with.

To ensure adherence, the NCAA has reminded all international carriers operating inbound flights to Nigeria of their obligation to actively implement the currency declaration requirements. According to the statement, airlines must now announce this legal requirement onboard flights and ensure that passengers receive and fill out declaration forms before arrival.

Clear Instructions for Compliance

The NCAA emphasized the importance of the inflight announcements, which should inform all passengers that they are legally required to declare any amount exceeding $10,000—or its equivalent in foreign currency—upon entry into Nigeria. These declarations must include not only cash but also BNIs such as cheques, promissory notes, and other financial instruments.

Furthermore, airlines are expected to equip their cabin crew with adequate training and guidelines to help passengers comply with the declaration process prior to landing. This ensures a seamless transition through Nigerian customs and prevents unnecessary delays or legal complications for travelers.

Crackdown on Non-Compliant Airlines

In its statement, the NCAA also issued a stern warning to all airlines. It noted that the Authority would actively monitor compliance and that any failure to enforce the directive could attract regulatory sanctions. These punitive actions may range from administrative penalties to more severe consequences depending on the nature and frequency of the violation.

The aviation authority stressed that these measures are not arbitrary but aligned with Nigeria’s commitment to international standards, especially under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework. Ensuring consistent enforcement, the NCAA said, is a critical step toward enhancing Nigeria’s global financial integrity and credibility.

Context Behind the Directive

This intensified push for compliance comes in the wake of a high-profile money laundering case involving a Nigerian traveler, Salisu Ahmad. On July 7, 2025, Ahmad was arrested at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport during a routine customs inspection. Authorities found foreign currency stashed in his luggage totaling over N653 million in value.

Specifically, the confiscated amount included $420,900, £5,825, and more than CFA 4 million, all undeclared. Ahmad, who had just arrived from Saudi Arabia on an Ethiopian Airlines flight, reportedly claimed that the money was sent by his brother for delivery to business associates in Nigeria. However, under interrogation and legal proceedings, he pleaded guilty to violating the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Court Issues Conviction and Full Forfeiture

The Federal High Court in Kano, upon reviewing the evidence, convicted Ahmad on a one-count charge related to the non-declaration of foreign currency. The court subsequently ordered the full forfeiture of the entire amount to the Nigerian government. In addition, two Nigerian men who came to collect the funds at the airport were also apprehended by security officials.

This case has since underscored the urgency for stricter enforcement of currency declaration laws and serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by unchecked cross-border financial transactions. In response, the NCAA’s renewed directive aims to close loopholes that previously allowed such violations to occur undetected.

Why This Matters for Travelers and Airlines

For international travelers, this directive highlights the need for vigilance and transparency when entering Nigeria with large sums of money. Failing to declare funds exceeding $10,000 could lead to seizure, criminal charges, or imprisonment. Travelers must also understand that “ignorance of the law is no excuse,” especially now that airlines are obligated to inform them mid-flight.

On the part of airlines, compliance is not optional. Beyond the reputational risk, failing to make appropriate announcements or distribute declaration forms could jeopardize their operational privileges in Nigeria. The NCAA is clearly intent on using all tools at its disposal to ensure the aviation sector plays its role in safeguarding national and financial security.

Moving Toward Transparency and International Alignment

Ultimately, the Nigerian government seeks to align its border control practices with global financial transparency protocols. By enforcing the $10,000 declaration threshold rigorously, authorities aim to deter illegal fund transfers, combat terrorism financing, and improve Nigeria’s standing with global financial watchdogs such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

The NCAA’s directive is only one of many steps Nigeria is taking to improve its financial ecosystem. Combined with efforts from agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Customs, and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the goal is to create a more transparent and secure environment for both domestic and international financial transactions.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for All Stakeholders

In conclusion, the NCAA’s latest directive should serve as a wake-up call to both airlines and travelers. With renewed emphasis on enforcement, there will be little room for non-compliance going forward. As the aviation authority continues to collaborate with law enforcement agencies, airlines are now required to play an active role in supporting Nigeria’s anti-money laundering campaign.

Failure to comply could have serious consequences—not just for individual passengers, but for the entire aviation industry. Therefore, passengers are strongly advised to declare all qualifying amounts honestly, and airlines must fulfill their legal obligations diligently.

Nigeria’s message is clear: financial integrity starts at the borders, and everyone has a part to play.