The Federal Government has announced the suspension of the disputed $300 helicopter landing fee that had sparked opposition from helicopter operators.
The fee, managed by the consultancy firm Messers NAEBI Dynamic Concept Limited, faced widespread criticism from industry stakeholders.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who initially upheld the levy introduced by his predecessor, Senator Hadi Sirika, reversed the decision on Friday.
The suspension was disclosed in a statement by the Ministry’s Spokesman, Odutayo Oluseyi.
Keyamo’s decision came after extensive feedback from the industry.
“Following a meeting with the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) regarding the helicopter landing levies, the Minister has suspended the enforcement previously granted to Messers NAEBI Dynamic Concept Ltd,” the statement said.
The suspension, effective May 30, 2024, was prompted by demands for a thorough review from various stakeholders.
The Minister has now set up a committee to examine the issues surrounding the fee and provide recommendations.
This committee includes representatives from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, associated agencies, AON, International Oil Companies (IOCs), and Messers NAEBI Dynamic Concept Ltd.
Their report is expected by the end of June 2024.
“Accordingly, Keyamo has constituted a committee with members drawn up from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and its relevant agencies, Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), International Oil Companies (IOCs), and Messers NAEBI Dynamic Concept Ltd, who are charged to look into the issues raised by concerned stakeholders and submit a report on or before the end of June, 2024.”
Messers NAEBI Dynamic Concept Ltd had been exclusively authorised by the Federal Government to collect these levies, a move that had raised concerns within the industry.
The committee’s findings will help determine the future approach to such charges.
