Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has extended the verification exercise for import duty on private jets to November 14.
Gatekeepers News reports that NCS, in a statement signed by Abdullahi Maiwada, its Public Relations Officer, on Monday, explained that the extension is to further engage operators who have expressed willingness to regularise their import duties.
“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,” Maiwada said.
“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.
“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.”
Maiwada also said the service under the leadership of Adewale Adeniyi, comptroller general, is dedicated to enforcing the laws governing import duties and maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
On March 14, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) threatened to revoke the operating licences of private jet owners engaging in commercial flight operations.
Less than two months later, the authority directed that a re-evaluation of all holders of permits for noncommercial flights (PNCF) be carried out on or before April 19 to ascertain compliance with regulatory requirements.
NCAA announced on July 5 that it has suspended 10 private jet operators over failure to undergo a recertification process.
