By Steve Agbota The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has seized $1,154,900 and SR135,900 (Saudi Riyals), in undeclared foreign currency at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano, Kano State. Using today’s exchange rate of N1,553/$1 the seizure of $1,154,900 is equivalent of N1,793,000,000, while the Saudi Riyals of 135,900 is worth N54,493,710, using the current exchange rate of N400.9/1SR. The total seizure is N1,847,493,710 and was made recently during a routine baggage check on an inbound passenger, Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi, who arrived on Saudi Airlines Flight No. SV401 from Saudi Arabia. During a physical inspection of the passenger’s luggage, NCS officers uncovered the undeclared foreign currency cleverly concealed within packs of palm dates, locally known as Dabino. In a statement by the National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, on behalf of Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, the interception was described as a testament to the Nigeria Customs Service’s unwavering commitment to enforcing financial regulations and curbing illicit financial flows across the country’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 the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022,” the statement reads in part. The Service reiterated that all travellers must comply with Nigeria’s financial regulations, particularly the legal requirement to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when travelling in or out of the country. “The Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act of 1995 provide 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 Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the NCS 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,” the statement said. According to him, the NCS will continue to collaborate with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to strengthen border security, enhance compliance with financial laws, and safeguard Nigeria’s economy. Travellers and stakeholders in the financial sector are advised to remain vigilant and always adhere to lawful financial practices.