In a decisive move to recover unpaid import duties, the Federal Government has grounded approximately 60 private jets across major airports in Nigeria through the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). Sources confirmed that private hangars in Lagos and Abuja were sealed, affecting aircraft owned by bank executives, oil firms, and other high-profile individuals.
Some of the grounded aircraft include luxury models such as the Bombardier BD-700 Global 6000, 6500, and 7500. Officials from both Customs and the aviation sector verified the operation, which began quietly on Monday without fresh public notice.
Customs sources revealed that many private jets in Nigeria had not paid the appropriate import duties, estimated in the billions of naira. The NCS had previously initiated a verification exercise to identify defaulters. Although the Federal Government announced plans to ground the jets as early as October 14, 2024, enforcement was delayed following a one-month extension and subsequent legal challenges.
Speaking on the renewed crackdown, NCS spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada confirmed the operation, stating:
“Yes, enforcement has started. Aircraft are grounded for non-payment of customs duty. Once owners regularize their payments, they will be released. We extended the verification period extensively, but defaulters failed to comply.”
He added that efforts to recover government revenue would continue until full compliance is achieved.
Despite the enforcement, some aircraft owners have begun lobbying the Presidency for intervention. One major Nigerian bank has committed to settling its outstanding duty by next Tuesday, while an energy firm with three jets is also negotiating with Customs.
Meanwhile, a document dated June 4, 2025, and signed by Deputy Comptroller-General C.K. Niagwan on behalf of the Comptroller-General, authorized the “temporary unsealing” of a few grounded jets. The move allows affected owners to submit relevant documents and negotiate duty settlement terms. However, the document emphasized this unsealing does not waive any statutory obligations.
Industry Reactions
Aviation experts have weighed in, urging both jet operators and Customs to adhere to global best practices.
Frank Oruye, a former Deputy Director of Engineering at the defunct Nigerian Airways, said:
“For a healthy aviation sector, stakeholders must play by the rules. Importers should pay all due levies, and Customs must act professionally, not just with force.”
Oruye criticized the Customs’ approach to taxing aircraft components, recounting past experiences where already duty-paid aircraft parts were taxed again after overseas repairs—contrary to international standards.
Retired Group Captain John Ojikutu also raised security concerns, noting that many of the grounded jets are foreign-registered.
“Foreign aircraft flying in Nigeria without proper clearance is a security threat. Both Customs and NCAA should be held accountable. When I was in charge, such lapses never occurred. There should be strict regulations to govern these operations,” he said.
He urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to enforce existing laws more rigorously and ensure that foreign aircraft operations within the country meet national security standards.
