Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo suspends $300 helicopter landing fee, temporarily on Friday following ourcries of controversies. The fee, outsourced to Naebi Dynamic Concept Limited, faced significant backlash from airlines and oil workers unions. They argued the fee was commercially harmful to both chopper operators and the broader Nigerian economy.
Keyamo’s announcement came through a statement signed by Odutayo Oluseyi, the Ministry’s spokesman.
The Minister emphasized that a review committee must submit its report for scrutiny before determining further actions on this matter.
“Following a meeting with the AON executive on the issue of helicopter landing levies collection at aerodromes, helipads, and airstrips, the Minister has temporarily suspended the enforcement granted to Naebi Dynamic Concept Ltd by the Federal Government,” the statement read.
“The suspension is effective from May 30, 2024, due to calls for review by stakeholders in the industry.”
It continued: “Accordingly, Keyamo has constituted a committee with members from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and agencies. The committee also includes members from the Airline Operators of Nigeria, International Oil Companies, and Naebi Dynamic Concept Ltd.” This committee will address the issues raised by concerned stakeholders and submit a report by the end of June 2024.”
Keyamo suspends $300 helicopter landing fee marks a surprising shift, considering Keyamo’s firm stance on May 14.
He stated that doubters of the Ministry’s commitment to the new $300 helicopter landing fee should reconsider, as it is permanent. Keyamo argued that the rule, a cost recovery measure, aligned with international best practices and aimed to enhance helicopter operations in Nigeria.
However, airlines operating in the Niger Delta region where the charges were to be prominent argued the rationale. They asked the facilities that Naebi Dynamics put in place to charge $300 landing levy for each landing.
The Minister said the new rule, which is also a cost recovery measure, is consistent with international best practices and designed to enhance the quality of helicopter operations in Nigeria. However, NigerianFLIGHTDECK checks show countries charge fees on their facilities, none exceeding $100, including Tallahassee International Airport.
