Breaking: FG Extends Private Jet Verification Deadline – Here’s The New Deadline You Need To Know

Initially, the verification deadline was set to start on Monday, October 14, 2024, but it has now been extended to Thursday, November 14, 2024, according to a statement by Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada.

Previously, the government, through the NCS, had announced plans to ground over 60 private jets owned by prominent individuals due to unpaid import duties amounting to billions of naira. The enforcement was scheduled to commence on October 14, 2024.

In the updated statement, Maiwada explained that the government decided to grant this extension to provide jet owners with more time to meet the necessary regulations.

“The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) wishes to inform the public, particularly private aircraft operators, that the verification exercise for recovering unpaid import duties on illegally imported aircraft has been extended by one month, from Monday, October 14, 2024, to Thursday, November 14, 2024,” the NCS stated.

The extension aims to further engage jet owners who have shown interest in regularizing their import duties, offering them a final opportunity to comply with legal requirements. The NCS emphasized its commitment to ensuring all private jets meet legal standards, promoting transparency and accountability in the aviation sector.

Jet owners are encouraged to take full advantage of the extended deadline to avoid potential sanctions for non-compliance after November 14. The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, reaffirmed the Service’s dedication to enforcing import duty laws and maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s aviation industry. He also expressed gratitude for the cooperation of stakeholders throughout the process.