JUST IN: Aviation Ministry Suspends Controversial Helicopter Landing Charges

The Federal Government has announced a two-month suspension of the $300 helicopter landing fee for oil and gas operations, following concerns from industry stakeholders.

The decision came after a meeting in Abuja between the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri. Representatives from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), International Oil Companies (IOCs), the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), and the Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG) were also present.

Officials from the aviation sector attended, including Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, outgoing Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Engr. Umar Farouk, Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and senior officials from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

Industry players had raised concerns that the $300 landing fee for helicopter operations at oil fields, terminals, rigs, FPSOs, and related facilities could disrupt critical oil and gas activities if enforced.

In response, Minister Keyamo directed the temporary suspension of the fee and announced the formation of an inter-ministerial committee to review the concerns and develop a framework acceptable to all parties.

Both ministers emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the aviation and petroleum sectors, which remain vital to Nigeria’s economy.