Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has cleared 57 out of 86 private jets and aircraft operators that showed up for verification of their customs papers and duties.
The 57 private jets are now free to operate in the country after screening of their customs papers.
The service also said 29 others were found not to have paid their duties and 62 other jet operators refused to show up for the customs verification excercise.
The Public Relations officer of the service, Comptroller Joseph Attah made the disclosure while addressing a media briefing to give an update on the exercise.
He said any private jet owners who refused to participate in the exercise will not be allowed to operate henceforth and will be prosecuted.
Comptroller Attah said: “As you may recall a press conference was held on the 31st of May 2021 in which the public was notified about the commencement of verification of Import documents for privately owned Aircrafts in the country. “
“In line with its statutory functions as provided for in PART III Sections27, 35, 37, 45, 46, 47, 52, 56, 63 & 64; Part XI Sections 144, 145, 155, 160, 161&164 and Part XII Sections 167, 168, 169 173&174 of the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA), all owners of Private Aircrafts in the country were invited to come forward with their relevant importation clearance documents for verification”.
“This exercise took place between the 7th of June and August 6th 2021 at the Tariff and Trade Department of the Service. In it the following documents were requested:
