The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has officially reintroduced the $300 helicopter landing levy. This comes one year after the same fee was suspended following backlash from stakeholders.
In 2024, the Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, had suspended the collection of the fee by a private firm, NAEBI Dynamic Concept. The suspension followed criticism from stakeholders who questioned the legality of the payment and the transparency of the process.
At the time, Keyamo said the suspension was temporary and would last until a committee submitted a full report.
“The suspension is with effect from 30th May, 2024. This is a result of clamour for review by some stakeholders in the industry,” the minister stated.
He explained that the committee was made up of members from the Ministry of Aviation, Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), International Oil Companies (IOCs), and NAEBI Dynamic Concept.
NAEBI Dynamic Concept Resumes Levy Collection Across Nigeria
In a circular dated May 15, 2025, the National Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) directed NAEBI Dynamic Concept to resume collecting the landing levy.
The circular, titled “Authority to Collect Helicopter Landing Levy by Messrs NAEBI Dynamic Concepts Ltd,” was signed by Akut D.S., General Manager, Air Traffic Control Operations.
The letter authorized NAEBI to collect levies from helicopter operations at airfields, terminals, rigs, helipads, airstrips, and aerodromes. This includes flights operated by International Oil Companies and other charter operators.
The company is expected to invoice operators directly. The circular also instructed all involved firms to strictly comply with the directive.
NAMA had earlier hinted in November 2024 that it would resume the levy collection, which had been paused.
Stakeholders Unhappy Over Revenue Collection and Impact on Oil Sector
Aviation experts and industry stakeholders are once again raising concerns about the levy.
Many question why a private firm should collect government revenue. Some also believe the contract lacks transparency.
An industry analyst, who spoke anonymously, said, “Most of these charterers are International Oil Companies (IOCs), and definitely, it will increase their cost of operation. Also, I know that operators will resist it because the levy is a scam.”
Others warn that the move could disrupt oil production. They argue that it could lead to increased operational costs for oil firms and reduced helicopter activities at remote sites.
Despite the criticisms, the Ministry has not released any new details about the committee’s report or the final terms of the contract with NAEBI Dynamic Concept.
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