In a strategic move to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-money laundering framework and fast-track the country’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have harmonised key operational processes at the nation’s airports.
The renewed collaboration, announced during a joint tour of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos on Thursday, is designed to improve passenger and cargo facilitation, increase security efficiency, and curb illicit financial flows through Nigeria’s borders.
The inspection was led by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, who was received by FAAN’s Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku, and other top airport management officials. The visit covered both the new and old MMIA terminals, with emphasis on automation upgrades and infrastructure designed to meet FATF compliance standards.
Nigeria was placed on the FATF grey list in February 2023 due to identified deficiencies in its systems for combating money laundering, terrorism financing, and other illicit financial activities. The FATF grey list flags jurisdictions with strategic deficiencies but that have committed to resolving them within agreed timeframes.
Speaking during the tour, Adeniyi confirmed that FATF inspectors are expected to arrive in Nigeria within weeks for an on-the-ground assessment.
“We are confident that with the measures now in place, including automated currency declaration systems and designated declaration rooms for passengers, Nigeria is on track to exit the grey list,” he said.
He disclosed that Customs had fully automated its currency declaration process and is working toward merging its forms with the Nigeria Immigration Service’s passenger declaration forms, streamlining documentation at the ports of entry.
“This collaboration with FAAN ensures we reduce unnecessary human contact with passengers and improve compliance. Our goal is to not only satisfy FATF but also enhance overall border integrity,” Adeniyi added.
FAAN MD Olubunmi Kuku highlighted several security and facilitation upgrades, including the deployment of e-gates, biometric screening, and designated areas for currency declarations at arrival and departure terminals.
“We’ve aligned with Customs and other agencies to ensure seamless collaboration as part of a national effort to restore Nigeria’s international financial credibility,” Kuku said.
She emphasized that FAAN had received firm commitments from the Customs Service to reduce the number of officers interfacing directly with passengers, thereby enhancing both safety and customer experience through technology-driven screening systems.
The FAAN-Customs collaboration marks a broader inter-agency effort involving the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), aimed at tightening airport control systems against money laundering and terrorist financing.
According to the FATF’s 2023 evaluation, Nigeria had shown progress but needed stronger inter-agency coordination and transparency at border points. The latest developments, including the harmonised declaration forms and joint monitoring mechanisms, directly respond to those concerns.
Exiting the FATF grey list is crucial for Nigeria’s international reputation and financial standing. Prolonged listing could deter foreign direct investment, increase the cost of international transactions, and lead to enhanced scrutiny of Nigerian banks and financial institutions abroad.
“The FATF grey list isn’t just a diplomatic label—it affects how the global financial system engages with Nigeria,” a financial analyst told Daily Trust. “This airport harmonisation move is a clear signal that the government is serious about restoring trust.”
With the FATF team’s visit imminent, Nigerian authorities are optimistic that reforms at air borders—especially at MMIA, Nigeria’s busiest international gateway—will meet global compliance benchmarks.