The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has temporarily lifted its earlier directive grounding around 60 foreign-registered private jets in the country over issues relating to unpaid import duties.
This reversal was confirmed by Maiwada Abdullahi, National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, who explained that the measure is intended to give affected jet operators a chance to resolve the matter amicably.
A circular dated June 4, 2025, and signed by Deputy Comptroller General C.K. Niagwan on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, disclosed that the “temporary unsealing” of the aircraft had received official approval.
It also summoned the operators to a meeting in Abuja to chart a permanent solution to the long-standing dispute.
Speaking with Vanguard, Abdullahi revealed that the operators have been granted a one-month grace period to regularise their import duty payments, noting that some have already begun the process.
“We have given them a one-month grace to regularise payments. Some have started doing that,” he said.
Earlier this week, reports emerged that dozens of private jets were grounded at major airports across the country—including Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja—following enforcement by the Customs Service.
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The move came eight months after Customs had initially threatened to clamp down on over 60 VIP-owned jets for non-compliance with import duty regulations.
Although a verification exercise was slated to end in November 2024, it was later extended without enforcement—until now.
Abdullahi maintained that the decision to ground the aircraft was not made lightly.
“It was not done arbitrarily without proper consultation. We gave them an ultimatum. Those whose jets were grounded know what to do,” he added.
As the grace period progresses, all eyes remain on jet operators to meet their obligations or risk renewed sanctions from the Customs Service.