The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a rigorous verification exercise to clamp down on private jet operators suspected of evading import duties and lacking proper documentation.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has summoned around 80 operators to its Abuja headquarters to present essential documents for their aircraft.
Customs authorities have emphasized that this 30-day verification exercise aims to ensure that all imported aircraft have the necessary documentation and contribute to the national revenue. The required documents include the aircraft’s Certificate of Registration, Flight Operation Compliance Certificate from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Maintenance Compliance Certificate, Permit for Non-Commercial Flights, and Temporary Import Permit.
Haruna Isa Dederi, Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, reiterated the government’s stance at a press briefing, stating, “This exercise is crucial to identifying aircraft operating without proper import documentation. We are committed to ensuring that the treasury receives its due from these luxury assets.”
The crackdown follows a similar attempt in 2021, where Customs identified 91 aircraft suspected of non-compliance. The initiative was stalled as aviation authorities could not agree on enforcement measures, and some aircraft owners challenged the duty payments in court using proxies and shell companies.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo expressed frustration over the misuse of Permits for Non-Commercial Flights, noting, “It is unacceptable that private jets, meant for personal use, are being operated commercially without appropriate permissions. Such practices not only violate regulations but also deprive the government of significant revenue.”
Keyamo added that these aircraft sometimes operate commercially “up to six to eight times a day,” which undermines the integrity of the aviation sector and the nation’s revenue base.
Customs officials assert that the verification process must be transparent and completed within the set timeframe. “We are committed to enforcing relevant laws and regulations to ensure maximum revenue collection for the government,” said Dederi.
Highlighting the inequities in enforcement, Dederi stated, “While car and motorcycle owners face strict compliance checks, it is a travesty that private jets worth millions operate without proper documentation.”
The government warns that non-compliance will result in severe consequences, including the grounding of aircraft and revocation of operating licenses. This move is seen as a significant step towards restoring order in Nigeria’s aviation industry and ensuring that all operators meet their legal and financial obligations.
