By Nkechi Eze
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has applauded the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for introducing far-reaching, business-friendly reforms that are transforming the relationship between the aviation industry and the Service.
A high-level delegation of the AON Board of Trustees, led by its President, Abdulmunaf Sarina, paid a courtesy visit to the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on Monday, September 22, 2025, to commend the Customs leadership for creating a more supportive and collaborative environment for airline operators.
Welcoming the delegation, Adeniyi praised the airline industry for its strategic role in Nigeria’s economy, noting that members of AON contribute not only financially but also through their expertise and innovation.
“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 their dialogue with AON went beyond the issue of the 4% Free on Board (FOB) levy, stressing that both parties reached mutually beneficial conclusions. He highlighted key initiatives such as the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, advanced ruling for importers, and the creation of aviation desks at airports, seaports, and courier hubs, all of which have been designed to ease business operations.
Adeniyi further clarified that the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) is not a unilateral imposition by Nigeria but a binding regional obligation within West Africa.
Speaking on behalf of AON, Board member and Air Peace Chairman, Allen Onyema, commended Adeniyi for his pro-business reforms and leadership style, which he said have replaced hostility with collaboration.
“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 stated.
He also applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing capable leaders like Adeniyi, noting that the reforms under his stewardship have boosted efficiency, created jobs, and increased revenue for the country.
The AON leadership pledged continued partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service to further strengthen Nigeria’s aviation industry and contribute to national economic growth.
