Legal Tangles Delay Nigeria’s Crackdown on Duty-Free Private Jets

Nigeria’s efforts to clamp down on private jet owners evading billions in import duties remain mired in legal complexities, with over 60 aircraft continuing to operate despite an initial government ultimatum. The initiative, led by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), had set a firm deadline of November 14, 2024, for compliance, but the absence of enforcement since then has raised questions about the government’s resolve.

Customs officials cite ongoing court cases as the primary obstacle, refraining from further comments to avoid jeopardising legal proceedings. Abdullahi Maiwada, the NCS’s spokesperson, underscored the sensitivity of the issue, stating that disclosure would interfere with investigations and judicial outcomes. Yet, the opacity surrounding these cases has fuelled speculation about the influence of Nigeria’s elite, including business magnates and financial institutions, many of whom are alleged to own these jets.

The controversy dates back to 2022, when private jet owners first took the government to court to challenge duty demands. Observers note that despite the expiration of the latest verification window, customs have not grounded any aircraft, creating a perception of inertia. Industry analysts have criticised this delay, arguing that unregulated foreign-registered jets undermine both Nigeria’s fiscal system and aviation safety standards.

Prominent voices within the aviation sector have expressed alarm at the scale of non-compliance. Olumide Ohunayo, an aviation expert, called for a collaborative effort between customs and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to tighten enforcement. Similarly, Group Captain John Ojikutu lamented the NCAA’s lapses, questioning how foreign-registered jets could operate freely without fulfilling regulatory requirements.

Amid the legal wrangling, some stakeholders urge patience, highlighting the judiciary’s role in resolving the impasse. However, scepticism persists, with critics accusing the government of allowing powerful interests to stall the process. As the impasse drags on, the prospect of billions in potential revenue hangs in limbo, while Nigeria’s aviation sector faces renewed calls for transparency and accountability.