Customs Extends Verification Exercise On Aircraft Import Duty

The management of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the extension of verification exercise of import duty on private owned aircrafts.

A statement by the NCS signed and made available by the Customs Spokesman, Abdullahi Maiwada said while the extension is to provide a window for owners willing to rectify the duty default, it warned that the acquisition of aircraft without payment of import duty is illegal, noting that the service intends to ensure that the extant laws are fully complied with.

The statement reads: “The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) 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 is 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.

“In light of this extension, the NCS encourages aircraft operators to take full advantage of the extended period to fulfill their obligations, avoiding sanctions that may arise from non-compliance after the deadline.”

While appreciating the cooperation and understanding of stakeholders in the ongoing exercise, the statement further quoted the CGC as saying:

“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.”

ABDULLAHI MAIWADA
Chief Superintendent of Customs
National Public Relations Officer
For Comptroller-General of Customs
14 October 2024