NCS to Launch Electronic System for Cash Declarations at Airports

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is set to introduce an electronic declaration system to streamline and enhance compliance for travellers carrying cash into or out of Nigeria.

Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Abdullahi Maiwada, NCS spokesperson, explained that the initiative aligns with efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-money laundering framework and reinforce financial regulations.

“The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the deployment of an Electronic-Currency (E-Currency) declaration form as part of its anti-money laundering measures for travelers carrying cash into and out of Nigeria,” NAN reported.

The system will require travelers carrying amounts exceeding the legal threshold to declare them before arrival or departure.

Maiwada further explained the process, saying, “We have developed a system where, even before leaving your point of origin, you can scan a QR code, access the form, fill it out, and we will be able to see it from here.”

He revealed that the initiative, set for rollout soon, will enhance monitoring and facilitate information sharing with relevant authorities.

Under the Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the NCS Act 2023, travellers carrying over $10,000 (about N15.4 million) or its equivalent in negotiable instruments must declare the funds to Customs authorities.

To boost awareness, the NCS is working with airline operators to inform travellers through onboard announcements and plans to reinstate signage at airports and border points in English and French.

The develpoment comes as part of broader efforts to tighten financial controls following a recent case at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), where Customs officials seized $578,000 from a passenger attempting to evade currency declaration regulations