The Federal Government of
Nigeria has given a nod to the controversial issues surrounding the approval of
waiver by previous administration on imported commercial aircraft and spares. The reaffirmation came from both the Nigeria
Custom Service and the Ministry of Finance. According to a statement by Airline
Operators of Nigeria, AON through its Chairman, Capt. Nogie Meggison, “The
clarification on the Zero Duty and VAT was contained in a letter dated 20th
June, 2016 and signed by the Nigeria Customs Service. It stated inter alia
that: “I am directed to inform
you that by virtue of the Federal Government 2013 Fiscal Policy measures, Ref
No. BD.12237/S.1008/T/11 dated 15th January, 2013. All Commercial Aircraft
&its Spare Parts imported for use in Nigeria shall attract import duty rate
of zero per cent (0%) and zero per cent (0%) VAT respectively.”
“Furthermore, the letter
stated that: “I am further directed to inform you that the Honourable Minister
of Finance letter Ref. No. BD/FP/TT/50/1/113 dated 20th March, 2015. Approval
for the implementation of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) 2015 – 2019
and 2015 Fiscal Policy measures (National List) confirmed the extension of the
2013 Fiscal Policy measures.”
AON thanked the Federal
Government of Nigeria (FGN) for keying into the importance of aviation as one
of the key drivers for economic recovery and its critical role of making
Nigeria the pivot of air transportation in Africa. It also commend the
government for graciously identifying with the pains of the Nigerian travelling
public by extending its support for commercial airlines in the country and
reaffirming the Zero Duty and VAT payment on the importation of commercial
airplanes and its spare parts as a way of alleviating the cost burden and
ensuring safe flight operations.
The Chairman of AON,
Captain Nogie Meggison noted that the unprecedented move was a welcome
development and a strong testament to the commitment of the Minister of State
Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika and the President Muhammadu Buhari led
administration for feeling the pulse of the masses and making good on his
promise to work assiduously to ensure that aviation doesn’t go out of the reach
of the common man by giving it the attention it rightly deserves.
Expressing appreciation,
Meggison said that AON would like to thank the Federal Government of Nigeria
for giving a listening ear to our persistent calls for the removal of Duty and
VAT on the importation of commercial aircraft and its parts as is done in other
parts of the world. “This is a welcome development and we commend the
government for showing maturity and understanding of the critical role that
aviation plays in driving the Nigerian economy thereby supporting Nigerian airlines,
promoting safety and sustaining jobs.”
Capt. Meggison stressed that: “The gesture was
extended specifically to commercial aircraft operators and not private jet
operators who are required to pay for luxury taxes.”
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