Nosa Aituamen
The Federal Government has lifted the temporary suspension on the enforcement of helicopter landing charges for air navigation services related to helicopter operations by oil companies in the Gulf of Guinea.
This decision allows Messrs Naebi Dynamic Concepts Ltd, the consultants appointed for the collection of these charges, to resume their duties immediately.
According to a ministerial directive, Naebi Dynamic Concepts Ltd will now collect levies related to air navigation services for helicopter operations by oil companies at various locations, including fields, platforms, terminals, rigs, FPSOs, heliports, helipads, and aerodromes.
The directive specifies that the consultant must invoice oil companies directly for these services.
In a statement, spokesman for the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, Dr. Musa Abdullahi says, notably, helicopters operated by Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) are exempt from these levies.
The decision to lift the suspension according to NAMA, comes after a temporary halt was placed on the collection of helicopter landing levies in June 2024, following concerns raised by AON.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had initiated the suspension to address the concerns raised by the airline operators.
With the lifting of the suspension, Naebi Dynamic Concepts Ltd can now proceed with the collection of levies in line with its contract.
The development is expected to have significant implications for the aviation industry, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea, where oil companies frequently operate helicopters for their operations.
The resumption of levy collection is anticipated to enhance the provision of air navigation services for helicopter operations in the region.