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Import Infractions: Customs Asks FAAN to Ground 62 Private Jets

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Tuesday said that status of 62 private jets operating in the country remain unknown despite the conclusion of a verification exercise of import documents for privately-owned aircraft in the country by the service.
This is even as the NCS revealed that the Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has been put on notice to ensure that only privately-owned aircraft duly verified, and cleared by Customs are authorized to operate within the Nigerian airspace.
In a statement signed on Tuesday by Joseph Attah, NCS spokesman, the NCS said that 86 private jet operators came forward during the verification exercise and 57 private jets have so far been verified.
According to the NCS statement, “I warmly welcome all of you to this media briefing to keep you updated on the outcome of an exercise duly authorized by the Management of the Service under the able leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd).
“As you may recall a press conference was held on the 31st of May 2021 in which the public was notified about the commencement of verification of import documents for privately-owned aircraft in the country.
“In line with its statutory functions as provided for in PART III Sections27, 35, 37, 45, 46, 47, 52, 56, 63 & 64; Part XI Sections 144, 145, 155, 160, 161&164 and Part XII Sections 167, 168, 169 173&174 of the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA), all owners of private aircraft in the country were invited to come forward with their relevant importation clearance documents for verification.
“This exercise took place between the 7th of June and August 6th 2021 at the Tariff and Trade Department of the Service. In it the following documents were requested: Aircraft Certificate of Registration, NCAA’s Flight Operations Compliance Certificate (FOCC), NCAA’s Maintenance Compliance Certificate (MCC), NCAA’s Permit for Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF) and Temporary Import Permit (TIP) (where application).
“Within the stipulated period, 86 private jets/aircraft operators showed up for the exercise and presented the relevant documents for verification. Of this number, 57 were verified as commercial charter operators and were duly cleared for operations.
“29 other private jets/aircraft were found liable for payment of Customs duty. Their values were assessed, and the appropriate demand notices were issued to their owners for the payment of outstanding duties.
“However, 62 other private jet/aircraft whose registration numbers were duly obtained from the appropriate authority were not verified because their owners or designated representatives made no presentations to Customs that could help determine their status.
“To this effect, all 57 commercial charter jet/aircraft operators who presented their documents for verification are requested to come forward to the Tariff and Trade Department of the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters, Abidjan Street, Wuse Zone 3 Abuja-FCT, Room 312 between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm to collect their Aircraft Clearance Certificates.
“All 29 private jet/aircraft owners and or their representatives who have been issued with demand notices have been given (14) days from the 11th of October 2021 to collect and make payments to the designated Federal Government accounts after which they will be issued with aircraft clearance certificates.
“The owners of the 62 private aircraft for which no presentations were made for their verification, and whose status remain uncertain are requested to immediately furnish the Tariff and Trade department of the Service with the necessary documents for verification and clearance.
“The Nigeria Customs Service implores all concerned to avail themselves of this opportunity as it will not hesitate to activate enforcement procedures on identified defaulters.
“The FAAN has also been put on notice to ensure only privately-owned aircraft duly verified, and cleared by Customs are authorized to operate within our airspace.
“Attached is a list of all private jets/aircraft with their serial numbers that have been cleared for operations, those with outstanding demand notices awaiting payment, and those who have not yet presented themselves for verification and clearance.
“Still, other private jets/aircraft owners whose aircrafts’ registration and manufacturers’ serial numbers do not appear on any of the three lists, will do well to seek further clarification and clearance at Customs Headquarters to avoid embarrassment.
“The Service, therefore, looks forward to full compliance by all private jet/aircraft owners in the country.”
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FG to Invest in Cutting-edge Broadcast Technology

Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to collaborating with key stakeholders in the global information and broadcasting sector to strengthen Nigeria’s information dissemination framework.
This pledge was made on Monday during discussions with prominent broadcast and information companies at the ongoing National Association of Broadcasters Show 2025 in Las Vegas, United States.
Speaking at the event, Idris said the Bola Tinubu administration remained committed to adopting cutting-edge technologies and acquiring state-of-the-art equipment for Federal Government media organisations to ensure effective service delivery.
“Strategic communication is essential to ensuring that the policies of the Renewed Hope Agenda reach the Nigerian people effectively,” he stated.
The minister also highlighted the government’s plans to invest in upgrading facilities and replacing outdated infrastructure in radio, television, and other media institutions.
According to the minister, this will improve the dissemination of credible, balanced, and objective information to the public.
Idris further said that the government would explore collaborations and partnerships that would allow local broadcasters to benefit from emerging technologies and industry-specific training opportunities.
The minister had visited exhibitions showcasing hardware and software solutions during the event.
Items exhibited included broadcast antennas, transmitters, and studio equipment, which are pivotal for enhancing broadcasting capabilities.
Thomas King, Chairman of KINTRONIC Laboratories and Enrico Vaccari, Chief Operating Officer of Axel Technology SRL, had expressed their organisations’ readiness to partner with the Nigerian government.
Gianluca Baccalini, Chief Operating Officer of System Engineering Solutions and Khiran Keerodhur, Chief Operating Officer of Thomson Broadcast, among others, also expressed commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s broadcasting landscape and regulatory agencies.
Idris is leading a delegation of chief executives of agencies in his ministry to the NAB event.
Members of the delegation included the Managing Director of NAN, Ali Muhammad Ali, and the Director-General of the Nigeria Television Authority, Salihu Dembos.
Others are the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Charles Ebuebu; and Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Lekan Fadolapo.
Also in the delegation is the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Ndace.The forum, NAN reports, is to strengthen broadcast collaborations and form strategic alliances. The NAB event, running from Saturday to Wednesday, has as theme: “The Technology, The Trend, The Future.”
NAN also reports that the forum is focusing on a range of topics, including Artificial Intelligence, cloud visualisation, creator economy, as well as sports production and streaming.
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How KongaFM 103.7 Helped Cure My Insomnia Challenge

In a glowing testimonial that reveals the rising influence of Konga 103.7FM beyond Lagos, a business merchant from Kano, Mr. Ishaku Mohammed, shared how the station’s late-night programming helped him overcome insomnia and reconnect with hope.
Mr. Mohammed, who was in Lagos to attend a wedding, stumbled on KongaFM by chance, but the impact, he says, was life-changing.
“KongaFM solved my insomnia. It was like a miracle. I tuned in around 9 pm and left the radio on. The inspirational songs and messages gave me peace and helped me sleep properly again, for the first time in a long while,” said Mr. Mohammed.
Having returned to Kano, he now streams the station regularly on kongafm.com, calling it “a sound of hope in changing times.”
The testimonial has been widely shared on social media, drawing attention to the station’s unique blend of entertainment and emotionally resonant content. With increasing listenership on-air and via digital streams across Nigeria and, by extension, the world, Konga 103.7FM is quickly becoming a household name in the country’s evolving media space.
Speaking on the impact, Ifeoma Ajumobi, Head of Konga TV & Radio, noted: “Mr. Mohammed is exactly why we do what we do. At KongaFM, we’re not just filling the airwaves with music or talk, but filling a gap in people’s lives 24hrs daily. Whether it’s easing stress, igniting hope, as a domain of knowledge, or simply keeping people company through the night, our goal is to be the voice that truly resonates.
“We are building a station that listens, heals, inspires, and leads. And as we continue expanding our reach, our mission remains clear: to be Nigeria’s most human radio experience. One voice, one story, one soul at a time.”
KongaFM continues to deliver engaging programming in entertainment, inspiration, commerce, and culture. With a growing footprint in northern and southern Nigeria and a commitment to reflecting the voices of real people, the AI tech-driven station is positioning itself as a trailblazer in 21st-century African radio broadcasting.
News
AOT Issues Bench Warrant against Sanusi, Aero Contractors MD

Advertising Offences Tribunal (AOT) has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Captain Ado Sanusi, managing director, Aero Contractors Company of Nigeria Limited, for failing to appear before the tribunal in an ongoing case concerning alleged violations of Nigerian advertising laws.
The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) filed a 22-count charge against Captain Sanusi and Aero Contractors, accusing them of exposing advertisements targeted at the Nigerian market without obtaining the necessary approval from the Advertising Standards Panel (ASP). This, according to ARCON, contravenes established Nigerian advertising regulations.
The case was initially scheduled for hearing on February 26, 2025. However, during the proceedings, Captain Sanusi was absent, prompting his legal representatives to assure the tribunal of his presence at the next hearing while also pleading for leniency. Despite these assurances, the defendant failed to appear on the adjourned date.
Given Captain Sanusi’s continued absence, the Advertising Offences Tribunal, in line with its mandate to enforce compliance with advertising regulations, issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
The tribunal has ordered that he be presented at its next sitting, scheduled for May 8, 2025.
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