The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has issued a 7-day ultimatum to oil and gas operators to comply with the mandatory payment of helicopter landing levies, as stipulated under the NAMA Act 2022.
In a public notice released this week, the agency emphasized that full compliance is required for all helicopter operations involving Oil Fields, Terminals, Rigs, Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) units, Helipads, Airstrips, and Aerodromes within Nigerian airspace.
Despite multiple communications and engagements with operators since 2022—through its partner, Naebi Dynamic Concepts Ltd—NAMA says compliance has been unsatisfactory, due in part to “the influence of certain individuals” working against regulatory enforcement.
“The levies are crucial for maintaining and upgrading air navigation infrastructure, which ensures the safety and efficiency of Nigeria’s increasingly complex airspace,” NAMA stated.
Citing Sections 8 and 9 of the NAMA Act, the agency reaffirmed its exclusive legal authority to manage air navigation services and warned that:
- Only NAMA may provide such services within Nigerian airspace.
- Sanctions will be imposed on defaulters, including denial of flight clearances and operational restrictions until outstanding levies are paid or secure guarantees are submitted.
Furthermore, for cases of unauthorized airspace usage, especially from private helipads operating without NAMA clearance, the agency announced plans to seek ministerial approval to shut down or relocate such facilities, citing national security concerns.
“This enforcement action is not just regulatory—it is essential for aviation safety, national security, and the sustainable development of Nigeria’s airspace,” the statement concluded.
