In a decisive move to recover billions of naira in unpaid import duties, the Federal Government has grounded at least 60 private jets across Nigeria through the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
The clampdown, which began quietly on Monday, has affected aircraft owned by influential individuals, multinational oil firms, and top bank executives. It comes after months of verification exercises and multiple deadline extensions granted by Customs.
Private hangars at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja have reportedly been sealed as enforcement actions ramp up. Some of the affected aircraft include luxury models like the Bombardier BD-700 Global 6000, 6500, and 7500.
This latest enforcement follows an October 14, 2024, warning by the NCS to ground over 60 non-compliant aircraft. Although the action was postponed at the time, a renewed directive has now seen Customs move in forcefully. According to the agency, owners failed to take advantage of the verification window, which was extended to November 14, 2024.
Speaking on the development, NCS spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada confirmed the enforcement, emphasizing that the action is aimed at securing revenue due to the Nigerian people.
“Yes, enforcement has started. The aircraft are grounded for the non-payment of customs duty. As soon as they come over to regularize their payment and give what is due to Nigerians, they will get it back,” he said.
Maiwada stressed that Customs had exhausted all diplomatic channels and extended multiple deadlines to private jet owners who failed to comply.
“We just have to enforce. We have to collect revenue for Nigerians so that it will be used for Nigerians,” he added.
Sources within Customs disclosed that following the grounding, some jet owners have begun lobbying top government officials, including reaching out to the Presidency. A top Nigerian bank has reportedly pledged to settle its outstanding duties by next Tuesday, while a leading energy firm with three grounded jets is negotiating through intermediaries.
In a new twist, a circular dated June 4, 2025, and signed by Deputy-Comptroller General C.K. Niagwan, approved the “temporary unsealing” of certain grounded aircraft. The directive, which had the backing of the Comptroller-General of Customs, allows affected operators to present documentation and engage in discussions to resolve outstanding obligations.
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“The unsealing is solely to facilitate compliance and does not constitute a waiver of any statutory obligations,” the memo stated.
However, industry veterans have called for a more structured and globally compliant process. Former Deputy Director of Engineering at the now-defunct Nigerian Airways, Frank Oruye, urged both Customs and aircraft operators to prioritize best practices.
“Investors and importers should be ready to foot all local taxes and customs duties, but Customs must also avoid high-handedness and adhere to international norms,” Oruye said.
He highlighted how recurring conflicts over aircraft components, such as rotables, often lead to double taxation, calling on the government to end such practices to create a conducive business environment.
