The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has extended the verification process for recovering import duties on illegally imported private aircraft by one month.
This extension moves the deadline from October 14, 2024 to November 14, 2024.
In a statement signed by Abdullahi Maiwada, the NCS spokesperson, the service explained that this additional time is meant to encourage those involved in the aviation sector to regularise their aircraft import duties.
The extension intends to give operators the opportunity to comply with the necessary regulations before facing penalties.
The statement read:
“The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) wishes to inform the public, especially private aircraft operators, that the verification exercise for the recovery of import duties on illegally imported aircraft has been extended by one month. The new deadline is Thursday, 14th November 2024.”
The statemment added that the extension is intended to engage operators who have shown interest in resolving their import duty issues.
The NCS also reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all illegally imported aircraft meet legal requirements, promoting transparency within the aviation sector.
Aircraft operators are strongly advised to take advantage of this extra time to avoid sanctions for failing to meet the guidelines after the deadline.
Previously, reports indicated that the Nigerian Government, through the NCS, plans to ground over 60 private jets owned by prominent individuals due to unpaid import duties. These unpaid duties amount to several billions of naira.
