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The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a reminder mandating all international airlines operating inbound flights to Nigeria to inform passengers of their legal obligation to declare any currency or Bearer Negotiable Instruments (BNIs) exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent upon arrival in the country.
In a statement signed by Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the NCAA reiterated its directive (Ref: NCAA/CPD/ABV/298, dated 24 April 2025), as critical component of Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework, in line with international standards and obligations.
“In line with Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework, in accordance with international standards and obligations, the NCAA reiterates the following directives to all international airlines:
“Make inflight or pre-landing announcements informing passengers of their legal obligation to declare any currency or Bearer Negotiable Instruments (BNI) exceeding $10,000 USD or its equivalent upon arrival in Nigeria.
“Distribute currency declaration forms onboard for passengers to complete before landing,”
The NCAA directed all airlines to make inflight or pre-landing announcements reminding passengers of the requirement, and to distribute the necessary currency declaration forms onboard prior to landing.
“Reports reaching the Authority indicate that some international airlines are yet to fully comply with this directive. This non-compliance undermines national efforts to safeguard the integrity of our financial system and meet global obligations,” the statement read.
The NCAA warned that it would closely monitor compliance going forward and apply appropriate sanctions to non-compliant carriers.
This means that If a passenger is carrying more than $10,000 (or the equivalent in any other currency or financial instruments like cheques, money orders, etc.) into Nigeria, he or she is legally required to declare it to the appropriate authorities upon arrival.
Therefore all international airlines flying into Nigeria are now obligated to notify passengers about this requirement before landing, likely through inflight announcements or printed materials.
