Why date of duty recovery on illegally imported aircraft extended – NCS

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it extended the date of the verification exercise for the recovery of import duties on illegally imported aircraft by one month, from Monday, 14th October 2024, to Thursday, 14th November 2024, to provide an additional window for compliance.

Informing the general public, particularly operators of privately-owned aircraft about the extension, the Service said the extension is to further engage operators who have expressed willingness to regularize their import duties, providing them with an additional window to comply with the necessary regulations.

The NCS noted that it is committed to ensuring that all illegally imported aircraft meet the legal requirements, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in the aviation sector.

“In light of this extension, the NCS encourages aircraft operators to take full advantage of the extended period to fulfill their obligations, avoiding sanctions that may arise from non-compliance after the deadline,” said the statement.

However, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, reiterated the Service’s dedication to enforcing the laws governing import duties and maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s aviation sector.

He called for the cooperation and understanding of stakeholders in this ongoing exercise.