…Reaffirms Anti-Money Laundering Commitment
Author: Abass Quadri.
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has expressed satisfaction with the collaborative efforts between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to strengthen Anti-money laundering (AML) mechanisms and enhance operational efficiency at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
Speaking during the closing ceremony of a sports tournament organised by the Murtala Muhammed Area Command (MMAC) on Thursday, 10 July 2025, the CGC described his visit as both operational and productive.
He said, “It’s meant to be an operational visit. We had very useful engagements with the management of the Federal Airport Authority, and the engagements were very concrete. Beneficial outcomes came out of it. We came to explore and assess the strategies that will be put in place to ensure that Nigeria is taken off the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force.”
He noted that several improvements were already implemented to reinforce compliance, particularly regarding passengers’ currency declaration obligations.
“I’m satisfied with the measures by FAAN and the Nigeria Customs Service. I’m also satisfied with the processes that we saw firsthand. Signages have been put in place, announcements are running regularly, and passengers are being reminded of their obligations to declare currency,” he stated.
Speaking on the sports tournament, the CGC commended MMAC for combining operational excellence with recreational activities. “And what better way to end it with what we have seen here, an afternoon and evening of fun and entertainment”, he added.
Earlier, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Michael Awe, appreciated the CGC’s presence and highlighted the essence of the tournament.
“I can see all our sister agencies here, which is the unity we always discuss. For one to have mental alertness, there is a need for physical exercise to carry out one’s assignment.”
Comptroller Awe noted that the tournament, which began over two months ago, featured various games and created a platform for collaboration among Customs officers, sister agencies, and stakeholders.
The event united personnel from various agencies in a show of unity, reinforcing the role of physical fitness and inter-agency cooperation in enhancing national security and quality service delivery.
