By Gwurld4026 
Lagos Airport Customs Confiscates $578,000 from Traveler
On March 19, 2025, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) intercepted $578,000 in undeclared cash from a passenger arriving from Johannesburg, South Africa.
The individual initially declared $279,000 at the Currency Declaration Desk; however, upon further inspection, an additional $299,000 was discovered concealed on his person, bringing the total to $578,000. Additionally, €100 and a counterfeit $250 bill were found in his possession.
This action violates the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011, which mandates that any currency or negotiable instruments exceeding $10,000 must be properly declared by inbound and outbound passengers. In compliance with directives from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, the MMIA Command, led by Comptroller Effiong Harrison, handed over the suspect, along with the seized currency and relevant documents, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation.
Comptroller Harrison emphasized the NCS’s commitment to preventing unlawful activities that tarnish the country’s reputation, stating that the service is dedicated to ensuring that individuals involved in money laundering do not exploit Nigeria’s international airports for their illicit activities.
The EFCC’s Acting Director of the Lagos office, Ahmed Ghali, commended the efforts of the customs officials and assured that the commission would conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.