The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its significant business-friendly reforms, marking a new era of collaboration between the airline industry and customs.
Led by President Abdulmunaf Sarina, the AON’s Board of Trustees visited the NCS on September 22, 2025, and was welcomed by Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi.
Adeniyi appreciated the strategic role played by AON in Nigeria’s economy, noting that their contributions go beyond financial investment. “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”, he said.
The CGC highlighted several initiatives introduced by the Service to improve the ease of doing business, including the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme and advanced ruling for importers.
The AON Vice President, Allen Onyema, praised the CGC for his reforms and pro-business approach, describing the new customs leadership as one that has fostered collaboration rather than conflict 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”, Onyema said.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing capable leaders like Adeniyi, stressing that the reforms have improved business operations, created jobs, and increased revenue generation for the country.
The AON leadership pledged continued partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service in advancing Nigeria’s aviation industry and the broader economy. “We decided to pay this first-ever courtesy call to say thank you and encourage you to continue in this positive direction”, Onyema added, thanking the CGC for his efforts.
Meanwhile, commercial airlines have been exempted by the NCS from the 4% FOB on spare parts imports.