The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a one-month extension for the verification exercise of import duties on private jets, now set to conclude on November 14, 2024. Abdullahi Maiwada, the NCS Public Relations Officer, confirmed this extension in a statement on Monday, noting that the exercise began on October 14, 2024.

The extension aims to engage operators interested in regularizing their import duties on private aircraft, following reports that the federal government plans to ground over 60 private jets due to unpaid duties totaling billions of naira.

“The extension will provide operators of illegally imported aircraft an additional opportunity to comply with regulations and avoid potential sanctions,” stated Maiwada. The NCS reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing compliance and promoting transparency in the aviation sector under the leadership of Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi.

Earlier this year, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) warned that it would revoke the licenses of private jet owners involved in commercial operations. In July 2024, ten private jet operators were suspended for failing to complete a required recertification process, underscoring the ongoing regulatory efforts in the sector.