Niger: New regulations require declaration for transporting funds exceeding bank thresholds

Niger has now mandated a prior declaration for the physical transport of funds when amounts exceed the maximum thresholds set by banking regulations. This measure is part of efforts to strengthen the fight against terrorism financing and illicit financial circuits.

Authorities explain that regular checks conducted by defense and security forces have highlighted the need to better distinguish between legitimate fund movements and operations that appear suspicious.

When the presented documents are valid and correspond to the amount being transported, the operation may proceed. In the absence of a declaration, inconsistencies in supporting documents, or serious indications of an offense, the procedures outlined by legislation must be applied.

Seized funds may be returned under certain conditions.

The government has also announced that previously seized or withheld funds can be returned to their owners once they have justified their origin, ownership, and destination, provided that no legal obstacles exist.

The ministries responsible for Finance, Justice, and Interior have been instructed to implement this new regulation.