By Ihechi Enyinnaya
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a one-month extension for the verification process aimed at recovering import duties on illegally imported private aircraft. The new deadline is now set for November 14, 2024, instead of the previous October 14 date.
In a statement from NCS spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada, the extension is designed to encourage aviation sector participants to regularize their aircraft import duties and comply with relevant regulations before incurring penalties.
The NCS emphasized that the additional time is intended for operators seeking to address their import duty issues. The statement read: “The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) wishes to inform the public, especially private aircraft operators, that the verification exercise for recovering import duties on illegally imported aircraft has been extended by one month. The new deadline is Thursday, 14th November 2024.”
The NCS reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all illegally imported aircraft meet legal standards, promoting transparency within the aviation industry. Aircraft operators are strongly urged to utilize this extended period to avoid sanctions for non-compliance after the deadline.
Earlier reports indicated that the Nigerian Government, through the NCS, plans to ground over 60 private jets owned by high-profile individuals due to unpaid import duties, which total several billion naira.