“THE HIGH FLIERS GROUNDED – NO DUTY, NO FLIGHT”
By: IDNN Aviation & Revenue Enforcement Desk
ABUJA — The Federal Government has begun a sweeping enforcement campaign targeting elite-owned private jets, grounding over 60 aircraft linked to ₦50 billion in unpaid import duties, according to top officials of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
The action, initiated under the Presidential Revenue Enforcement Task Force, is part of the government’s intensified efforts to widen the tax base and enforce fiscal discipline among Nigeria’s wealthiest asset holders.
“We will not tolerate luxury without accountability,” said Customs Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi.
“Whether it’s a private jet or a yacht, if duties aren’t paid, the law will act.”
THE NUMBERS:
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Aircraft involved: 91 private jets audited
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Grounded so far: 60
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Total estimated evasion: ₦50 billion+
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Main violations: Non-payment of import duties, underreporting of aircraft value, improper registration
NCS said many of the aircraft were imported under “questionable exemptions” or never officially declared, despite operating in Nigerian airspace for years.
TARGETING THE UNTAXED ELITE
Adeniyi stated that the operation marks “a new standard” in revenue enforcement and sends a signal to “high-net-worth individuals who exploit weak systems.”
Insiders say the list includes:
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Business moguls
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Politically exposed persons
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Foreign-registered jets flying into Nigeria under temporary importation abuse loopholes
The NCS is collaborating with:
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Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)
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Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)
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Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA)
INVESTORS WARNED — FILING OR FLYING?
Owners have been given a 14-day grace period to regularize documentation or face asset seizures and potential prosecution.
“We are watching flight logs. No more evading the system with hangar deals,” a senior customs official told IDNN.
POLITICAL PRESSURE MOUNTS
Sources confirm lobby groups representing aviation interests and major conglomerates are applying pressure on the presidency to “temper the crackdown,” warning it may affect investment confidence.
But fiscal hawks in Tinubu’s team argue the move is long overdue, especially as the government pushes for debt restructuring, fuel subsidy savings, and foreign investor confidence.
ECONOMIC CONTEXT: “ONE LAW FOR ALL”
Nigeria’s revenue-to-GDP ratio remains below 10%, one of the lowest in Africa.
Experts say plugging elite asset leakages could boost confidence in progressive taxation.
“This is not anti-rich. It’s pro-law,” said Dr. Tunde Fashola, a tax policy expert.
“Luxury must be matched by transparency.”
Graphic Caption:
60 private jets grounded across Nigerian airports as Customs cracks down on elite aviation duty evasion worth over ₦50 billion.
🎬 Motion Graphics Cue:
Opening: Jet wheels on tarmac → “GROUNDED” stamp overlay → Customs officer sealing hangar
Headline burst:
Visuals: luxury cabin → tax report → seized aircraft
Voiceover:
“If you fly above the law, expect turbulence.”
Final tag:
“This is IDNN. Independent. Digital. Uncompromising.”
