The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has lifted the grounding order on about 60 foreign-registered private jets operating in the country, opting for dialogue with the affected operators over alleged import duty defaults.
The jets, previously grounded at Lagos and Abuja airports, were unsealed less than 24 hours after the enforcement action. A circular dated June 4, 2025, signed by Deputy Comptroller General C.K. Niagwan on behalf of the Comptroller General of Customs, confirmed the “temporary unsealing” had received top-level approval.
According to the NCS, the decision allows operators to submit relevant documentation and engage in discussions on the appropriate modalities for settling outstanding duties and taxes. The Service emphasized that the move does not amount to a waiver of statutory obligations but aims to encourage compliance.
Former Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Musa Nuhu, praised the Customs’ decision, warning that grounding aircraft sends negative signals to foreign investors and undermines ongoing efforts by President Bola Tinubu and Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo to attract foreign capital to the sector.
Nuhu argued that requiring import duty payments in addition to existing charges—including landing fees and overflight permits—could amount to double taxation. He stressed that operators already make significant contributions to government revenue, paying as much as $96,000 monthly in charges and other costs.
“The unsealing of the aircraft is a welcome move. Sealing them off discourages foreign investors and could derail the federal government’s progress in aviation development,” Nuhu stated. He added that the legality of such duties must be clearly defined and aligned with civil aviation regulations.
Private jet operators echoed similar sentiments, noting that foreign-registered aircraft already pay substantial fees to the NCAA through Flight Operators Clearance Certificates (FOCC) and Maintenance Clearance Certificates (MCC), with each certificate costing $10,000 every six months.
As discussions continue, stakeholders are urging Customs to collaborate closely with the NCAA to create a lasting framework that balances regulatory compliance with the need to foster a welcoming business environment for international aviation stakeholders.
Nzubechukwu Eze
