The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified efforts to combat money laundering at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, through a high-level stakeholders’ meeting aimed at strengthening enforcement mechanisms.
The meeting, chaired by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Olumide Adebisi, on Friday, February 21, 2025, brought together key agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), to develop a coordinated approach in tackling illicit financial flows.
Comptroller Adebisi expressed concerns over enforcement lapses, particularly the failure of inbound travellers to properly declare their currencies, a crucial step in tracking financial movements in and out of the country.
“My command covers Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, one of Nigeria’s key border stations used by diplomats, multinational organizations, and international agencies. The image we project here directly impacts Nigeria’s financial standing,” Adebisi stated.
He emphasized the need for improved inter-agency collaboration and intelligence sharing, noted that isolated efforts would yield little success. He disclosed that a sensitization program launched two weeks ago has already started yielding positive results, with increased compliance and improved coordination among agencies.
To further enhance efficiency, the FCT Customs Command said it was working on establishing a unified digital platform for seamless intelligence sharing between stakeholders, including banks and regulatory bodies.
“We are committed to ensuring efficiency at the airport, and the feedback so far has been positive. We will continue to work closely with our stakeholders to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and uphold Nigeria’s financial integrity,” Adebisi affirmed.
The Customs Command reassured the public of ongoing reforms aimed at securing Nigeria’s financial system, restoring the country’s global financial credibility, and facilitating smoother international transactions.
