Helicopter operators under the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) are exempted from these charges. This exclusion follows the outcry raised by the AON which led to the original suspension.

The Federal Government has directed Messrs Naebi Dynamic Concepts Ltd to resume collection of helicopter landing levies across oil installations. This follows a temporary suspension that was earlier placed on enforcement by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo in June 2024.

The resumed exercise will focus on helicopter operations by oil companies across Nigeria’s Gulf of Guinea region. The directive was communicated through a statement issued by Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Abdullahi Musa.

According to the ministerial instruction, Naebi Dynamic Concepts Ltd is authorised to invoice oil companies directly for helicopter landings. These levies apply to activities at platforms, rigs, terminals, FPSOs, helipads, heliports and aerodromes.

However, in a key development, AON excluded helicopter levy terms have been outlined. Helicopter operators under the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) are exempted from these charges. This exclusion follows the outcry raised by the AON which led to the original suspension.

The directive now clarifies that only oil-sector helicopter operations are subject to the resumed levy regime. This provides clarity for both stakeholders and affected operators.

The earlier suspension of enforcement in 2024 was prompted by industry resistance, particularly from the AON. Members of the association cited concerns over double taxation and overlapping charges.

Responding to these concerns, the Federal Government halted the implementation temporarily. After reviewing the legal and operational frameworks, it has now decided to proceed, excluding AON from the process.

In his earlier announcement, Minister Festus Keyamo stated the importance of stakeholder engagement and regulatory clarity in aviation policy decisions.

Messrs Naebi Dynamic Concepts Ltd, the approved consultant, had initially been awarded the contract to monitor and enforce helicopter landing levies across Nigeria’s offshore and remote installations.

While commercial helicopter operators under AON are now relieved of the burden, oil company helicopters remain subject to full enforcement.

This marks a significant shift in implementation, ensuring that levies are targeted and that the concerns of key industry stakeholders are addressed.

With this move, the Federal Government aims to strengthen its revenue generation without stifling local aviation operators.

As the AON excluded helicopter levy collection resumes, attention is now focused on compliance within the oil and gas aviation subsector.