Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has ordered a two-month suspension of the enforcement and collection of the helicopter landing fee applied to oil and gas operations across Nigeria.
The directive followed high-level discussions between aviation authorities and petroleum industry stakeholders who warned that continued enforcement could disrupt key offshore logistics.
A statement by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Mr Tunde Moshood, confirmed that the decision emerged after a strategic meeting at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Meanwhile, the session brought together Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, alongside regulators and representatives of major oil operators.
Helicopter Landing Fee Sparks Industry Concerns
The helicopter landing fee became the centre of discussions after oil industry stakeholders raised operational concerns over its enforcement.
According to the delegation, the statutory charge imposed by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency applies to helicopter operations supporting offshore oil activities.
These operations include transport services to oil fields, terminals, offshore platforms, drilling rigs and Floating Production Storage and Offloading facilities.
In addition, the fee covers the use of heliports, helipads, airstrips and aerodromes involved in oil and gas logistics.
Industry representatives explained that continued enforcement of the helicopter landing fee, in its current form, could affect critical offshore transport operations.
However, the stakeholders emphasised the need for regulatory clarity to avoid disruptions to Nigeria’s energy supply chain.
Key Aviation and Petroleum Stakeholders Attend Meeting
The petroleum delegation included the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan.
Representatives of International Oil Companies also attended, alongside officials from the Oil Producers Trade Section and the Independent Petroleum Producers Group.
Meanwhile, aviation regulators present included Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Engr Umar Farouk.
The outgoing Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, also participated.
Senior officials of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority joined the discussions as both sectors examined the implications of the helicopter landing policy.
Government Sets Up Inter-Ministerial Committee
Following deliberations, Minister Keyamo directed the immediate suspension of the helicopter landing fee enforcement for two months.
The temporary measure, therefore, creates space for further consultations between aviation regulators and petroleum industry operators.
In addition, the Minister announced the formation of an inter-ministerial committee to address the concerns raised during the meeting.
The committee will include representatives from both aviation and petroleum sectors and will examine the structure of the helicopter landing fee framework.
Officials are expected to develop a mutually acceptable regulatory approach that balances aviation oversight with the operational realities of offshore oil logistics.
Ministries Reaffirm Sector Collaboration
Both ministers reiterated the need for sustained collaboration between aviation and petroleum authorities.
They emphasised that effective policies must support safe aviation operations while ensuring the continuity of Nigeria’s energy production activities.
Meanwhile, stakeholders noted that helicopter services remain critical to offshore oil production, crew transfers and emergency logistics.
Therefore, resolving issues surrounding the helicopter landing policy remains vital for maintaining efficiency across the aviation and petroleum sectors.
Industry observers believe the two-month suspension could open the door for a more practical and balanced regulatory framework.
