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By Chinelo Obogo
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has invited the management of Arik Air to come in person and explain the circumstances that led to an alleged cannibalisation of three aircraft and subsequent re-exportation of same machines.
A document signed by the Comptroller, Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) I. G Umar and dated October 3, 2023, with the title: ‘Re: Request for Physical Inspection of Boeing 737NG. MSN: 28640, Reg No. 5N-MJI; Bombardier CRJ-900, MSN: 15059, Reg: No: 5N-JEB; And CRJ-900ER, MSN: 15058, Reg. No. 5N-JEA,’ said that the explanation offered to its earlier enquiry on the same airplanes was unclear and that further clarification was needed. The NCS said the request was in line with its responsibilities as provided in Sections 22, 38, 142(a, b, e, g and h) and 148-151 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act.
The management of Arik Air would have to provide evidence of notification of temporary re-exportation or sale, particulars of movement to Malta and evidence of written notification to dismantle the B737NG aircraft with registration number: 5N-MJI, due to the distressed status of the airline and the approval on same from the customs to the service. The airline is also expected to bring along particulars of the executor of the dismantling process, seizure and repossession, inventory of salvaged parts and location and current storage of the parts.
Customs also instructed the management to produce evidence of notification of temporary re-exportation or sale, particulars of movements of Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft with the registration number: 5N-JEA, to Slovenia 2020, along with detention documents, repossession documents by EDC and current location of the aircraft.
The document added: “You are kindly requested to acknowledge receipt of this letter to the office of the undersigned and to schedule an appointment with the service not later than two weeks from the date of the receipt of this letter.”
Customs had earlier accused the management of Arik Air (in receivership) of illegal sale of some aircraft and diversion of import duties.
It alleged that the management of the airline illegally sold some aircraft and spare parts with bogus documentation to back the sale, an allegation which the management denies. The Comptroller General of Customs, had directed physical examination of the aircraft in question, which were later found to have been exported.
Customs alleged that the condition for the waiver was for such aircraft to be used in Nigeria, emphasising that the waiver did not extend to the export of aircraft already used in Nigeria, no matter the form. Responding to the demand for a physical inspection of the aircraft, the management said that the aircraft in contention had already been repossessed by some lessors and partners of Arik.
