By Charles Pemu 
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its drive to recover unpaid import duties, grounding approximately 60 private jets across major airports in Nigeria, including sealing hangars in Lagos and Abuja. The drastic enforcement targets billions of naira owed by aircraft owners, including prominent individuals, bank chiefs, and multinational oil companies.
The crackdown, which reportedly began quietly on Monday without fresh public notice, follows months of unheeded appeals and extended verification exercises by Customs. The NCS had previously warned private jet owners to validate their payment status or face penalties.
Confirming the development, NCS spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada stated on Wednesday, “Enforcement has started. The aircraft are grounded for the non-payment of customs duty, and as soon as they come over to regularize their payment and give what is due to Nigerians, they will get it back.” He emphasized that Customs would not relent until all revenue owed to the government is collected.
Sources indicate that affected jet owners have already commenced lobbying the Presidency to secure the release of their luxury aircraft, which include models like the Bombardier BD-700 Global series. Some owners are reportedly pledging payment in the coming days.
In a new development, a document dated June 4, 2025, and reportedly signed by a Deputy-Comptroller General, suggests Customs has approved the temporary unsealing of some grounded aircraft. This measure is intended to allow operators to present relevant documents and engage with the service to agree on modalities for settling outstanding duties and taxes, with a clear caveat that it does not constitute a waiver of statutory obligations.
This forceful action by Customs underscores the government’s resolve to boost revenue collection and ensure compliance in the aviation sector.