The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has issued a stern seven-day ultimatum to oil firms over helicopter navigation levy compliance. According to NAMA, failure to meet this deadline will result in the denial of flight clearances for helicopter operations to vital oil infrastructure.
These include Oil Fields, Terminals, Platforms, Rigs, Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) units, Helipads, Airstrips, and Aerodromes.
The Agency stated that all affected oil companies must formally submit their payment plans to Naebi Dynamic Concepts Ltd within seven days. This was contained in an advertorial published June 24, 2025 on some dailies.
This directive follows years of written communication and dialogue initiated since 2022 between NAMA and operators in the oil and gas sector.
Despite repeated outreach, compliance remains poor due to the influence of individuals allegedly frustrating adherence to Nigeria’s aviation regulations.
NAMA stressed that it is acting within its statutory authority under Sections 8 and 9 of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Act, 2022.
Only NAMA is legally empowered to provide air navigation and air traffic control services across all Nigerian airspace and controlled areas.
No other party is authorised to perform these services within the territory or airspace under Nigeria’s international obligations.
The Agency further explained that enforcement of helicopter landing levies reflects helicopter navigation levy compliance practices already in place globally.
Member states of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Europe, Asia, and the Americas already apply similar fee structures.
NAMA warned that failure to pay these levies would attract serious consequences, starting with the immediate suspension of flight clearances.
These sanctions will affect any operator with outstanding levies unless satisfactory payment guarantees are submitted and verified by the Agency.
Moreover, NAMA maintained that these levies are essential for the continued upgrade of critical air navigation equipment and infrastructure.
The goal is to ensure aviation safety and operational efficiency amid rising traffic from helicopters, drones, and fixed-wing aircraft.
NAMA also noted security concerns arising from unauthorised helicopter operations, especially at private helipads and offshore platforms.
Such activities pose threats to national security and aviation control and are often conducted without proper coordination or clearance.
In response, the Agency will escalate enforcement by seeking approval from the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
With that mandate, NAMA may shut down and relocate any non-compliant helipad or platform in line with Section 8(3) of the NAMA Act.
The Agency clarified that this is not an act of hostility but a move to protect Nigeria’s airspace and uphold international safety standards.
It urged oil companies to demonstrate their corporate responsibility by aligning with national aviation policies and regulations.
By complying, operators will also contribute to safer skies, better coordination, and a sustainable air navigation ecosystem.
NAMA’s designated compliance and billing partner, Naebi Dynamic Concepts Ltd, remains the sole channel for levy reconciliation and plan submission.
The public and stakeholders have been assured that this measure will ultimately enhance service delivery, national safety, and regulatory transparency.
With the seven-day countdown underway, oil firms have been advised to act swiftly to avoid flight bans, platform disruptions, or legal sanctions.
NAMA concluded that it remains open to dialogue but firm in its duty to enforce compliance for the good of the nation’s airspace.
