The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it has intercepted undeclared 1.1 million U.S. dollars and 135,900 Saudi Riyals at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano.
Its Spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
Maiwada said the seizure was made recently during a routine baggage check on an inbound passenger who arrived on Saudi Airline Flight No. SV401 from Saudi Arabia.
He explained that during a physical examination of the passenger’s luggage by NCS officers, the undeclared currency was found concealed within packs of palm dates.
The interception, he said, aligned with the NCS’s commitment to enforcing financial regulations and preventing illicit financial flows across Nigeria’s borders.
“In line with established procedures, the suspect and the seized foreign currency have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and necessary legal action.
“Subsequently, the court convicted the defendant as charged and ordered the forfeiture of the undeclared money to the Federal Government in line with provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022,” he said.
He stressed that the NCS is determined to ensure that all travelers complied with Nigeria’s financial regulations, particularly the legal requirement to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when traveling in or out of the country.
He stated that the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1995, provided clear guidelines on currency declaration.
“ Non-compliance with these regulations constitutes a violation of Nigerian law and attracts severe penalties. The service, therefore, urges the public to adhere strictly to these requirements to avoid legal consequences.
“Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, the service remains resolute in its enforcement efforts to combat smuggling, illicit financial transactions, and other trans-border crimes.
“ This latest seizure highlights the service’s unwavering dedication to protecting the nation’s economic interests and ensuring compliance with financial regulations,” he said.
The spokesperson reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to collaborating with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to strengthen border security, enhance compliance with financial laws, and safeguard Nigeria’s economy.
He urged travelers and stakeholders in the financial sector to remain vigilant and always adhere to lawful financial practices.(
Ramadan: Customs CG Calls For Empowerment Of Less Privileged
The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has called on Muslims to use the Ramadan period to support and empower the less privileged in the society.
Adeniyi made the call on Thursday evening in Abuja at the Al-Habibiyya Mosque breaking of fast (Iftar) and daily feeding of about 2, 500 fasting Muslims and less privileged.
He described the initiative as a reflection of Islamic teachings on caring for the less privileged, while calling on other organisations to emulate the laudable gesture.
“This is an injunction of Almighty Allah. This is what we should do during fasting; care for those that are less privileged through programmes like this.
“We should have more of these in different parts of the country because many people are fasting and wondering how they will break their fast.
”It is the reality of our times, and more Nigerians should be encouraged to undertake this noble cause in a disciplined manner,” he said.
The customs boss commended Al-Habibiyya for the orderliness in the feeding programme, stressing the need for Nigerians to embrace discipline, orderliness, and structured planning in their daily activities.
“There was a time in this country when we ran campaigns about doing things in an orderly fashion.
“We need to get back to that because it helps. Imagine how easy we handled over 2,000 people in this little space because it was properly planned,” he said.
The National Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyya Mosque, Sheik Fuad Adeyemi, said that the feeding programme was organised every Ramadan to support the less privileged, regardless of religious belief.
“It is important that we show support to the less privileged, that is why we organise this feeding programme on a daily basis throughout the Ramadan period.
“When the less privileged are supported and empowered there will be peace and unity in the society,” Adeyemi said.
