By Atoyebi Nike
One year after suspending the $300 helicopter landing levy due to stakeholder backlash, the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has reintroduced the fee, once again placing its collection in the hands of private firm NAEBI Dynamic Concept Ltd.
The levy’s reinstatement was confirmed in a circular dated May 15, 2025, issued by the National Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). The directive, signed by NAMA’s General Manager of Air Traffic Control Operations, Akut D.S., empowers NAEBI to collect landing fees from helicopter operations involving oil platforms, terminals, rigs, helipads, and aerodromes.
Initially suspended on May 30, 2024, after criticism from aviation stakeholders over the legality and transparency of the contract with NAEBI, Minister Festus Keyamo had established a committee to review the matter, with a report expected by June 2024. However, no public update on the committee’s findings has been released.
Industry players have again expressed dismay over the fee’s return and the firm’s involvement. An aviation expert, who requested anonymity, questioned the rationale behind assigning revenue collection to a private entity and warned that the policy could disrupt oil production due to increased operational costs.
“Most charter flights serve International Oil Companies (IOCs), and this added cost will affect their logistics. Operators will resist it because many see the levy as a scam,” the expert said.
Despite ongoing resistance, the circular instructed full compliance, signaling the government’s renewed commitment to enforcing the controversial policy.
