Nigeria Customs Trains 150 Officers to Improve Aviation Oversight 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a specialised training programme to enhance the efficiency of its aviation operations. This initiative aims to strengthen regulatory oversight at international airports and seaports across the country, ensuring better compliance with duty payments and customs procedures. 

Strengthening Aviation Operations 

According to Captain Roland Iyayi, CEO of Top Brass Aviation Limited, a total of 150 customs officers will undergo the training. The first batch has already completed their session, while the second batch is scheduled to be trained from March 24th to 28th. 

The training is designed to equip officers with the necessary skills to effectively manage aviation-related customs processes. By establishing a dedicated unit, the NCS aims to improve efficiency at Nigeria’s five major international airports and key seaports. 

Ensuring Proper Duty Compliance 

One of the key reasons for this initiative is to enforce compliance with duty payments. Currently, airlines enjoy waivers on imported aircraft spare parts, but other aviation operators and aircraft owners are still required to pay duties. The newly trained customs officers will ensure that all operators who do not qualify for exemptions fulfill their duty obligations. 

Iyayi explained, “Airlines don’t pay duty on imported spares and aircraft anymore. Customs is setting up a unit to make sure that other operators or aircraft owners who don’t have this exemption pay their duties as required. 

This initiative will ensure that customs officers are well-equipped to handle aviation operations efficiently, enforcing duty compliance while enhancing expertise within the service.” — Captain Roland Iyayi, CEO of Top Brass Aviation Limited. 

Specialized Desk for Aviation Customs 

Beyond enforcing duty payments, the initiative will introduce a specialized desk within the customs department, where trained officers will focus solely on aviation-related procedures. This will enhance customs expertise in the aviation sector, allowing officers to efficiently inspect, regulate, and facilitate smooth operations for international trade and air travel. 

“They want to have officers trained specifically for aviation operations, so they know exactly what to look for and how to handle aviation customs procedures efficiently,” Iyayi added. 

This training programme is a crucial step toward modernising Nigeria’s customs operations and ensuring transparency in aviation-related imports. By improving the expertise of customs officers, the NCS aims to streamline processes at airports and seaports, enhance regulatory compliance, and ultimately boost the country’s aviation sector. This initiative is expected to contribute to economic growth by making the importation and clearance of goods more efficient while maintaining strict oversight on duty payments.