The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the extension of the verification exercise for the recovery of import duties on illegally imported private aircraft by a month.
The NCS disclosed this in a statement signed by its spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada on Monday.
The extension, scheduled to take effect on Tuesday followed reports indicating a decision by the Service to allegedly ground over 60 private jets over unpaid import duties running into several billions of naira.
According to a document exchanged between the NCS and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, duties are not being paid on the majority of private jets currently in the country despite nearly three months after the NCS verification exercise.
The development further led the NCS to carry out a one-month verification exercise on all private jet owners in the country between June and July, however over 60 private jet owners have been found to have defaulted.
According to the document, the major affected planes are foreign-registered private jets owned by Nigerians.
The Bombardier Challenger 604 CL-600-2B16, Bombardier Challenger 3500, Bombardier BD-700 Global 6000, Bombardier BD-700 Global 6500, Bombardier BD-700 Global 7500.
Each of the Bombardier BD-700 Global 7500 is estimated to cost over $70m, while the Global 6500 and 6000 version cost over $50m.
“While 11 private jet owners have received notification of the grounding of their aircraft, no fewer than 55 other operators would get their letters on Monday,” Punch reported.
Consequently, the Service on Monday said the extension is to further engage operators who have expressed willingness to regularise their import duties while providing them with an additional window to comply with the necessary regulations.
The statement reads, “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 fulfil their obligations, avoiding sanctions that may arise from non-compliance after the deadline.
“The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, reiterates the Service’s dedication to enforcing the laws governing import duties and maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
“He further appreciates the cooperation and understanding of stakeholders in this ongoing exercise.”