The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has suspended its decision to ground over 60 foreign-registered private jets operating in the country over import duty disputes, opting instead to open dialogue with the aircraft operators.
The aircraft were initially grounded at the Lagos and Abuja airports following allegations that their owners failed to settle import duty payments. However, just 24 hours after the clampdown, Customs issued a circular authorising the temporary unsealing of the aircraft facilities.
The circular, dated June 4, 2025, and signed by the Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) C.K. Niagwan on behalf of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), stated that the decision had the CGC’s approval. It added that the move was meant to allow affected operators to engage the service and provide necessary documentation.
According to the circular, the temporary unsealing is aimed at facilitating compliance and giving the jet owners an opportunity to discuss appropriate modalities for settling the outstanding duties and taxes. Customs, however, clarified that this action does not amount to a waiver of any statutory obligations.
“The unsealing is purely for compliance purposes and to ensure that proper engagement can take place. It does not excuse or eliminate any legal responsibilities,” the statement read.
Former Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Musa Nuhu, welcomed the move and commended the Customs Service for its decision to reopen the operations of the grounded aircraft.
He cautioned that grounding aircraft sends negative signals to potential investors in the aviation sector and could undermine ongoing efforts by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to attract foreign investment.
Nuhu stressed that the current administration, along with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has been working hard over the past two years to make Nigeria an attractive destination for investment. He said the action by Customs, if not reversed, could have worked against those efforts.
“The unsealing of the aircraft is a wise decision. Grounding them not only hurts the operators but also discourages foreign investors. These actions make investors feel their equipment and investments are not safe in Nigeria,” Nuhu said.
He also questioned the legality of imposing import duties on foreign-registered aircraft, arguing that many operators already pay significant fees to the government.
“These operators pay for landing rights, overflight permits, and various charges. If you then come back to ask for import duties without a clear legal framework, it becomes double taxation,” he said.
Nuhu emphasised that civil aviation regulations in Nigeria encourage foreign participation in the industry, and sudden enforcement of import duties without proper engagement contradicts that aim.
“This issue should be resolved in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority. If import duties are necessary, Customs must engage with both the NCAA and the operators to agree on a clear and fair legal framework,” he advised.
Meanwhile, operators of the affected private jets have also voiced concerns. According to them, the federal government already generates more revenue from foreign-registered aircraft than what Customs seeks to collect through import duties.
They disclosed that each aircraft registered under the NCAA’s Flight Operators Clearance Certificate (FOCC) and Maintenance Clearance Certificate (MCC) pays the government \$10,000 every six months. In addition, these aircraft pay as much as \$96,000 monthly in operational charges and other expenses to various aviation agencies.
The operators argue that such high financial commitments should be considered sufficient contribution to the government’s coffers. Adding import duties on top, they said, would not only be burdensome but would also discourage investors from operating in the Nigerian airspace.
A senior operator who asked not to be named said, “The government already makes enough from us. Introducing import duties on foreign-registered aircraft without consulting stakeholders or providing a legal backing is not the way to support this sector.”
This isn’t the first time the Customs Service and aircraft operators are clashing over import duty issues. Similar tensions were reported in previous years, prompting calls for the harmonisation of aviation and customs regulations to avoid unnecessary conflict and disruption.
Stakeholders in the aviation industry are now urging Customs to adopt a long-term approach that supports growth, transparency, and investor confidence. Many believe that dialogue between regulators, aviation authorities, and industry players is the best way forward.
