Ahead of the commencement of airlift operations to Saudi Arabia for 2025 Hajj, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other related Offenses Commission (ICPC) have cautioned Nigerian pilgrims against illicit concealment of cash.

Besides, the enforcement agencies reminded pilgrims, operators of Bureau de Change (BDCs) and travel agencies of relevant punishment including forfeiture of cash and jail sentence on violators.

Speaking at a stakeholders engagement on Saturday on legal requirements of physical cash movement across borders, the enforcement agencies emphasized the need for open declaration of cash above 10 thousand dollars or equivalent to Nigerian Customs Service as required by law.

Addressing the stakeholders, Zonal Director EFCC Kano Zonal Directorate, Ibrahim Shazali explained the provisions of Money Laundering Act 2022, warned travellers from concealing illicit cash or collusion with airport staff.

The EFCC specifically cautioned the BDCs’ to constantly conduct thorough investigation on customer’s sources of funds and verify their identities while reporting suspicious transactions.

“The Money Laundering (prevention and prohibition) Act 2022, section 3(3) specify that cash more than 10, 000 dollars equivalent must be declared to the Customs before and on return at the airport. Section 3(5) provides punishment for violation of that act include forfeiture of the money and sentence to a minimum of 2 years imprisonment”. Shazali said.

Resident Anti-Corruption commissioner, ICPC, Kano and Jigawa States, Barr. Ahmed Mohammad Wada worried that Nigeria has remained on grey list on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) due to deficiencies in its anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) regimes.

He expressed worried that Nigeria and 180 countries including Kenya and South Africa are on constant watch list of financial irregularities due to bad attitudes of some Nigerians.

The ICPC boss though maintained that ignorance is not tenable in the face of law, he said the enforcement agencies considered stakeholders enlightenment to bridge knowledge gap on legal cash movement.

On his party, area Controller of Customs, Kano/Jigawa area, Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar cited series of cases of money laundering at Kano airport especially those returning and enroute Saudi Arabia.

Abubakar posited that despite the provisions of law prohibiting money laundering, many pilgrims and businessmen continued to forfeit their hard earn money to Federal Government due to self defeat interest.

Chairman, Bureau De Change (BDC), WAPA Kano Alh. Sani Dada applauded the enforcement agencies for broadening knowledge on the legality of cash movement. He pledged members’ commitment to collaborative with concern authorities to rid the system of illicit financial activities in the country.

Those at the stakeholders’ engagement include BDC’s, Travel Agencies, Pilgrims Welfare Board, Chamber of Commerce in Kano, FAAN and others.