The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have reached a mutually beneficial resolution on the contentious 4% Free on Board (FOB) levy, setting the stage for deeper cooperation between the two bodies.
Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi disclosed during a courtesy visit by a high-level AON delegation led by its Board of Trustees President, Abdulmunaf Sarina.
Welcoming the delegation, Adeniyi praised AON’s strategic role in the aviation sector and the wider economy. He noted that discussions with the operators extended beyond the 4% levy, covering broader initiatives introduced by Customs to ease business operations. These include the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme, advance rulings for importers, and the creation of aviation desks at airports, seaports, and courier hubs.
He further clarified that the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS), often misinterpreted as a local charge, is in fact a regional obligation binding on all West African states.
Speaking on behalf of AON, President Allen Onyema lauded the Customs leadership for adopting a reform-driven, business-friendly approach. He contrasted the present engagement with previous years, describing Customs’ current posture as collaborative rather than adversarial.
“In the past, dealing with Customs was like climbing a mountain blindly. We often fought and resorted to the media to press our grievances. 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 also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing capable leaders like Adeniyi, stressing that reforms in the aviation space have improved business operations, created jobs, and boosted revenue for the country.
Both NCS and AON pledged to strengthen their partnership to support Nigeria’s aviation industry and advance broader economic growth.
