Airline Operators Commend Customs on Business-Friendly Reforms
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Airline Operators Commend Customs on Business-Friendly Reforms
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has lauded the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for introducing reforms that have eased business operations and strengthened collaboration between the aviation sector and the Service.
The commendation was given when a high-level delegation from the AON’s Board of Trustees paid a courtesy visit to the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, at the Service’s headquarters in Abuja.
Welcoming the delegation, Adeniyi praised the strategic contributions of AON members to the nation’s economy, stressing that their impact transcends financial investment.
“It is very pleasing to know that members of the Board of Trustees and indeed other members of AON are not just investors in the aviation sector, but they are also playing very strategic roles in the economy. We appreciate the expertise, knowledge, and cerebral contributions your members continue to bring into this sector,” Adeniyi said.
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The CGC explained that discussions with AON went beyond the issue of the four per cent Free on Board (FOB) levy, noting that both parties had reached mutually beneficial conclusions.
He also stressed initiatives introduced by the Service to enhance trade facilitation, including the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, advanced ruling for importers, and the establishment of aviation desks at airports, seaports, and courier hubs.
On concerns about regional charges, Adeniyi clarified that the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) was not a unilateral Nigerian levy but a regional obligation binding on all member states.
In his remarks, AON President, Allen Onyema, commended the Customs boss for fostering a pro-business environment and transforming the Service into a partner rather than an adversary.
“In the past, dealing with Customs was like climbing a mountain blindly. We often fought with Customs and took our grievances to the media. Since assuming office, CGC Adeniyi has transformed the Service into one that listens, engages, and supports businesses. This is why the AON Board decided to pay this first-ever courtesy call to say thank you and encourage you to continue in this positive direction,” Onyema said.
He further praised President Bola Tinubu for appointing capable leaders such as Adeniyi, noting that Customs reforms had improved aviation business operations, created jobs, and boosted national revenue.
The AON delegation pledged to deepen collaboration with Customs in advancing Nigeria’s aviation industry and strengthening the economy.
