The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has praised the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its significant business-friendly reforms, marking a new era of collaboration between the airline industry and customs. The NCS recently received a high-level delegation from the AON’s Board of Trustees on Monday, September 22, 2025, led by President Abdulmunaf Sarina.
Hosting the delegation, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, hailed the massive role AON is playing in Nigeria’s economy, stating that their contributions are not limited to financial investment.
According to him, the discussions with AON went beyond the issue of the 4% Free on Board (FOB) levy, stressing that both parties had reached mutually beneficial conclusions.
He further highlighted various initiatives introduced by the service to enhance the ease of doing business, including the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, advanced ruling for importers, and the establishment of aviation desks at airports, seaports, and courier hubs.
Adewale stated that the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) is not a unilateral charge by Nigeria but a regional obligation within West Africa.
“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.
Speaking on behalf of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), President Allen Onyema saluted the CGC for his reforms and pro-business approach.
He declared that the new customs leadership has gone a long way towards fostering collaboration instead of conflict between the Service and private sector operators.
The AON leadership concluded by vowing to continue its partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service in advancing the nation’s aviation industry and the broader economy.
“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,” he added.
