The Nigerian Customs Service has clamped down on 60 private jets across various airports in the country, citing unpaid customs duties running into billions of naira.
Speaking with media houses, Customs spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada explained that the move followed multiple warnings and an extended window for verification.
“NCS enforcement has started. The aircraft are grounded for the non-payment of customs duty, and as soon as they come over to regularise their payment and give what is due to Nigerians, they will get it back,” he said.
Maiwada further noted that the agency had gone out of its way to allow time for compliance before resorting to enforcement.
“We issued a statement when we started the verification, and we extended the period and even ‘overextended the period’; now that we are acting, everyone already knows our reason.
“We just have to enforce it; we have to collect revenue for Nigerians so that it will be used for Nigerians,” he added.
He expressed confidence that the owners of the impounded jets would soon comply.
“Now that we have grounded them, they will have to comply. We are hopeful, and we know that they will comply.”
According to reports, the impounded jets include high-end models like the Bombardier BD-700 Global 6000, Global 6500, and Global 7500, many of which belong to top Nigerian banks, prominent entrepreneurs, and influential individuals.
There are fresh reports that some of the seized jets have now been released following payments and official intervention.
This action comes after a 30-day grace period was issued to jet owners to sort out their documentation.
However, the Customs Service held off on enforcement due to ongoing legal challenges, until now.