The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for what it described as far-reaching business-friendly reforms that are easing operations in the aviation sector and boosting economic activities.
A delegation of the AON Board of Trustees, led by its President, Abdulmunaf Sarina, paid a courtesy visit to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, in Abuja on Monday, September 22, 2025.
Welcoming the visitors, Mr. Adeniyi acknowledged the strategic role of airline operators in the nation’s economy, noting that their contributions go beyond investments in aviation.
“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,” he said.
The Customs boss explained that discussions with the airline operators went beyond the contentious four per cent Free on Board (FOB) levy, adding that both sides reached mutually beneficial understandings. He listed some of the initiatives introduced by the Service to improve the ease of doing business to include the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, the advanced ruling system for importers, and the creation of aviation desks at airports, seaports and courier hubs.
He also clarified that the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) was not a unilateral charge by Nigeria but a regional obligation binding on all member states.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, AON President, Mr. Allen Onyema, praised the Customs Comptroller-General for what he described as a reform-driven and pro-business leadership that has fostered dialogue between the Service and private sector operators.
“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.
Mr. Onyema also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing capable hands to drive reforms at the Customs Service, noting that the new policies have improved business operations, created jobs and enhanced revenue generation.
The airline operators pledged to sustain their partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service in promoting the growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry and the wider economy.
