The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a one-month extension of its verification exercise aimed at recovering import duties on privately owned aircraft that were imported illegally. This extension is now effective from October 14 to November 14.
Abdullahi Maiwada, the spokesperson for NCS, made this announcement in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday. He noted that this additional period allows private aircraft operators to comply with essential regulations and meet their obligations.
Maiwada underscored the NCS’s commitment to ensuring that all illegally imported aircraft adhere to legal standards, thereby fostering transparency and accountability within the aviation industry. He urged aircraft operators to take advantage of this extended timeframe to avoid penalties for non-compliance once the deadline arrives.
Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller General of Customs, reaffirmed the service’s dedication to upholding import duty regulations and preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s aviation sector. He also expressed gratitude for the cooperation and understanding shown by stakeholders throughout this verification process.
“This verification initiative is part of the NCS’s broader strategy to tackle issues related to private jet operators who may be evading import duties by misusing temporary import permits. The NCS is focused on ensuring proper imports and maximizing revenue collection for the Federal Government,” he stated.