The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo today temporarily suspended the $300 helicopter landing fee, following the condemnations by stakeholders and controversies generated by the issue.
The collection of the $300 fee was outsourced to a company, Naebi Dynamic Concept Limited.
Upon outsourcing the collection to the company, it was critisised by airlines and oil workers unions.
The stakeholders contended that the fee was commercially harmful to both helicopter operators and the Nigerian economy in its entirety
The Minister’s suspension is contained in a statement signed by Odutayo Oluseyi, the Ministry’s image maker .
The Minister stated that a review committee must submit its report for scrutiny before determining further actions on this matter.
“Following a meeting with the AON executive on the issue of helicopter landing levies collection at aerodromes, helipads, and airstrips, the Minister has temporarily suspended the enforcement granted to Naebi Dynamic Concept Ltd by the Federal Government,” the statement read.
It continued, “The suspension is effective from May 30, 2024, due to calls for review by stakeholders in the industry.”
“Accordingly, Keyamo has constituted a committee with members from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and agencies. The committee also includes members from the Airline Operators of Nigeria, International Oil Companies, and Naebi Dynamic Concept Ltd.” This committee will address the issues raised by concerned stakeholders and submit a report by the end of June 2024.”
The suspension of the $300 helicopter landing fee is a departure from his earlier stand on May 14.
He had stated that those doubting the Ministry’s commitment to the new $300 helicopter landing fee should reconsider, as it has come to stay.
Keyamo further said that it is a cost recovery measure, aligned with international best practices and aimed to enhance helicopter operations in Nigeria.
Airlines operating in the Niger Delta region where the charges were to be prominent questioned the rationale behind the $300 fee.
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