Nigeria Grounds 60 Private Jets Over Unpaid Import Duties; Owners Seek Presidential Intervention

The Nigeria Customs Service has grounded over 60 private jets at Lagos and Abuja airports due to unpaid import duties. The jets, including Bombardier Global series, have been sealed in hangars, affecting prominent individuals and corporate entities.

The grounding follows a verification exercise that was extended from October to November 2024 after legal delays. Enforcement began quietly on Monday, with Customs officials sealing aircraft at major airports.

NCS spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada confirmed the grounding, emphasizing the government’s resolve to collect owed revenues. “The aircraft are grounded for non-payment of customs duty. Once payment is regularised, the jets will be released,” he said.

Some owners have reportedly contacted the Presidency seeking to reverse the grounding, while others are negotiating payment plans. A document from June 4, 2025, signed by Deputy-Comptroller General C.K. Niagwan, authorizes temporary unsealing of some jets to allow owners to submit documents and discuss settlement terms.

Experts like Frank Oruye urge both Customs and jet operators to adopt international best practices in taxation and compliance. Retired Group Captain John Ojikutu warned that foreign-registered jets flying without clearance pose national security risks and called for stronger regulation by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority.