Nigeria’s Customs Service (NCS) has suspended its earlier plans to ground over 60 private jets operating in the country, and opted for dialogue over alleged default on import duty payment.

A circular sent to the operators on June 4 by the Nigeria Customs Service confirmed the temporary unsealing of the grounded aircraft, urging operators to prepare for dialogue with Customs. NSC revealed that the unsealing was solely to facilitate compliance, adding that the decision did not constitute a waiver of any statutory obligations.

NCS stated that the temporary unsealing of the aircraft would allow the operators to present all relevant documents regarding the affected aircraft and hold talks with Customs to seek an amicable settlement of all outstanding duties and taxes.

In his reaction, Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Musa Nuhu told the media that grounding the aircraft would discourage foreign investment, especially in the aviation industry.

He warned that such action would frustrate government’s efforts to develop Nigeria’s airspace to a global standard.

“The unsealing of the grounded aircraft is a positive development by the customs. When you start sealing aircraft, it will work against the works of the federal government and the minister who have been working assiduously to encourage foreign investors to the country and this sector in particular.

“Payment of import duty is not reflected in the Civil Aviation regulations. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations encourage foreigners to invest in Nigeria, but when you start imposing another burden on them, they will be discouraged,” he warned.

Aircraft registered with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, under Flight Operators Clearance Certificate, FOCC, and Maintenance Clearance Certificate, MCC, pay $ 10,000 to the agency every six months, and each of these aircraft pays about $ 96,000 monthly in charges and other expenses to the federal government.