Nigeria Customs Breaks New Ground with Digital Currency Declaration System at Abuja Airport

In a major stride toward digital transformation and improved financial transparency, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has successfully completed the pilot deployment of its new Electronic Currency Declaration Form (e-CDF) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Launched on April 9, 2025, the e-CDF system marks a significant innovation in border control operations, offering a secure, paperless method for travellers to declare currency—both inbound and outbound—in line with international Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (CFT) standards.

During the pilot phase, 69 currency declaration transactions were processed seamlessly. Outbound declarations totaled 51 transactions, with a declared value of $1,200,281.22, while inbound declarations stood at 18, valued at $177,786.88. The system operated smoothly without incident, confirming its reliability and effectiveness.

Speaking on the development, Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, reiterated the NCS’s commitment to embracing innovation:

“We are determined to modernize our operations through technology to ensure greater efficiency, compliance, and data accuracy. The e-CDF not only strengthens border security but also supports inter-agency cooperation and global financial monitoring frameworks.”

The platform now sets the stage for national scale-up, as the NCS prepares to deploy the e-CDF at other international airports and border posts across Nigeria.

This digital initiative, led by the Assistant Comptroller of Customs and National PRO, Abdullahi Maiwada, is seen as a game-changer in improving public trust, promoting transparency, and positioning Nigeria as a leader in border innovation in West Africa.