The federal government has implemented the removal of a seven percent surcharge on imported aircraft and spare, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) confirmed Wednesday.
The surcharge has been a subject of controversy between the indigenous operators under the aegis of AON and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for several months.
- Women want substantive female VC appointed for UniJos
- What is Pegasus spyware and how does it hack phones?
But the Vice-Chairman of AON and Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, confirmed the removal of this surcharge yesterday to our correspondent.
He said after a recent meeting with the Senate where he made a presentation regarding the waiver implementation, airline operators contacted the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, and the Minister of Aviation.
Both ministers “as representatives of a responsible government, swung into action immediately,” said Onyema.
“AON, for the avoidance of doubt, commends the federal government for its unflinching support for the growth of indigenous investments in Nigeria. This was very evident in the manner the government got this challenge addressed immediately within 48 hours to the joy of the airlines.
“We equally commend the Nigeria Customs Service for also assisting the airlines, including but not limited to Air Peace which was used as an example, in getting their aircraft spares and aircraft released. Our planes have since started flying,” he said.
Onyema said since July 7, 2021, airlines have been clearing their aircraft spare and aircraft without having to pay any seven percent surcharge.
