In a renewed effort to address improperly imported private jets, the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has summoned 80 private jet operators to present their aircraft import documents. This initiative aims to ensure compliance and maximize revenue collection.
The verification exercise, set to begin tomorrow, will span 30 days. A public notice from Customs highlights the goal to identify and rectify documentation issues for private aircraft. Owners must present various certificates, including the aircraft's Certificate of Registration and compliance documents from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
This move follows a previous suspension over a year ago. The government has been attempting to recover import duties, which some operators have avoided by exploiting regulatory loopholes to obtain Temporary Import Permits (TIPs) instead of paying the statutory fees.
Customs officials have noted that many private jet operators continue to misuse the TIP system, leading to indefinite extensions and avoiding duty payments. The exercise could potentially recover close to N100 billion in unpaid duties, considering the current exchange rate and potential penalties.
Abdullahi Maiwada, NCS National Public Relations Officer, confirmed the exercise and emphasized the agency's focus on revenue collection. Past efforts to enforce duty payments have faced legal challenges, with some private jet owners suing the government to avoid payments.
This verification is part of a broader effort to address longstanding issues with import duties on private jets, following discoveries of significant non-compliance among operators.
