Oil Firms, Operators Defy NAMA’s $300 Helicopter Levy Ultimatum

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) finds itself in a deadlock as oil firms and helicopter operators continue to shun its ultimatum for the payment of the controversial $300 helicopter landing levy. This defiance comes despite NAMA’s recent seven-day notice threatening to deny flight clearances to defaulting operators.

The $300 helicopter landing levy, which applies to landings at oil rigs, platforms, helipads, and other oil exploration units, was initially introduced by the Federal Government during the previous administration through a consultant, NAEBI Dynamic Concept Limited. Although the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had temporarily suspended the levy in May 2024 for review, the suspension was lifted exactly one year later, in May 2025, with a directive for strict compliance.

NAMA, in an advertorial published on June 24, 2025, gave the affected oil companies and helicopter operators seven days to communicate their proposed payment plans. The agency emphasized that these levies are crucial for sustaining the maintenance, upgrading, and acquisition of modern air navigation infrastructure, vital for safe and efficient airspace management, especially with the growing operations of drones, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft.

However, sources indicate that compliance remains significantly low. Operators, including the Managing Director of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, have vehemently opposed the levy, arguing it lacks regulatory backing from international aviation standards (ICAO) as no tangible service or infrastructure investment has been provided by NAEBI Dynamic Concept Limited to warrant the charge.

“That payment of $300 fee is not part of ICAO charges for cost recovery because you must invest; then you can recover the cost. And the investment you are going to make must provide some value to the customer. But in this one, there is no investment,” Sanusi stated, questioning the rationale behind the levy. He also highlighted that helicopter companies already pay other statutory charges to NAMA, such as navigation and terminal charges.

Other anonymous operators have described the charge as “an outright fraud” and an attempt to extort. They argue that it is illegal and a violation of ICAO rules, akin to paying someone for parking a car in one’s own garage, as many helipads are privately owned.

NAMA, however, insists that the enforcement of helicopter landing levies aligns with global best practices implemented across ICAO member states in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The agency had warned that sanctions would be applied to defaulting operators, including denying or withholding flight clearances until outstanding charges are paid or a satisfactory guarantee is provided. Furthermore, it threatened to seek approval from the Minister to shut down and relocate facilities used for unauthorized navigational operations within Nigerian airspace.

The ongoing standoff raises concerns about potential disruptions to oil and gas operations and an increase in the cost of oil production, which may ultimately be passed on to consumers. With the ultimatum largely unheeded, the aviation and oil sectors brace for potential escalation in this dispute over regulatory compliance and financial burdens.