The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has extended the verification exercise for private jet owners by one month, shifting the deadline from Monday, October 14, 2024, to Thursday, November 14, 2024.
In a statement signed by Customs Spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada and posted on the service’s official Facebook page on Monday, October 14, the extension was granted to accommodate operators who have shown a willingness to settle their outstanding import duties.
Previously, the Federal Government had planned to ground over 60 private jets owned by prominent individuals in the country due to unpaid import duties, amounting to several billions of naira.
According to documents exchanged between the NCS and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, the enforcement action was initially set to begin on October 14, 2024. However, the Customs Service has now provided a grace period for owners to comply with the regulations.
The statement read, “The Nigeria Customs Service wishes to inform the general public, particularly operators of privately-owned aircraft, that the verification exercise for the recovery of import duties on illegally imported private aircraft has been extended by one month, from Monday, 14th October 2024, to Thursday, 14th November 2024.
“This extension aims to further engage operators who have expressed willingness to regularize their import duties, providing them with an additional window to comply with the necessary regulations.
“The NCS is committed to ensuring that all illegally imported aircraft meet the legal requirements, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in the aviation sector.”
The statement added, “In light of this extension, the NCS encourages aircraft operators to take full advantage of the extended period to fulfil their obligations, avoiding sanctions that may arise from non-compliance after the deadline.
“The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, reiterates the Service’s dedication to enforcing the laws governing import duties and maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s aviation sector. He further appreciates the cooperation and understanding of stakeholders in this ongoing exercise.”
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