The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has ordered the suspension of helicopter landing fees for two months following discussions with stakeholders in the oil and gas sector.
The decision was reached after a meeting held on Monday at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. The meeting was attended by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan.
Also present were representatives from International Oil Companies (IOCs), the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), and the Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG). Key officials such as the outgoing Permanent Secretary of the aviation ministry, Dr. Yakubu Kofarmata, and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Umar Farouk, also attended the meeting.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media to the Aviation Minister, Tunde Moshood, the meeting was convened following concerns raised by stakeholders in the oil and gas sector.
The stakeholders warned that continued enforcement of the helicopter landing levy, as currently structured, could disrupt critical operations within the industry.
The controversial policy requires oil companies to pay $300 for every helicopter landing on oil platforms, rigs, airstrips, aerodromes, and helipads across Nigeria.
The levy was first introduced during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, requiring both International Oil Companies (IOCs) and Local Oil Companies (LOCs) to comply with the payment.
However, the policy immediately generated strong opposition from aviation operators and oil companies. Members of the Airline Operators of Nigeria argued that the fee was illegal, poorly conceived and harmful to the industry.
Following the backlash, the government in May 2024 announced a temporary suspension of the levy to allow for a comprehensive review.
At the time, Keyamo said the suspension would enable a committee comprising representatives from the aviation ministry, relevant agencies, AON, IOCs and NAEBI Dynamic Concept Ltd to review the policy framework.
Exactly one year later, on May 15, 2025, the federal government lifted the suspension. A circular titled “Authority to Collect Helicopter Landing Levy by Messrs NAEBI Dynamic Concepts Ltd” directed the company to resume collection of the fees.
The directive, signed by Akut D.S., General Manager of Air Traffic Control Operations at NAMA, authorised NAEBI Dynamic Concept Ltd to immediately restart the levy collection.
Tensions escalated further in July 2025 when NAMA issued a seven-day ultimatum to operators, including IOCs, demanding payment plans and proof of compliance.
The agency warned that non-compliant operators could be denied start-up clearances.
Stakeholders continued to oppose the levy, arguing that it would significantly increase operational costs in the oil and gas sector.
After extensive deliberations with industry players, Keyamo on Monday ordered another temporary suspension of the fees for an initial two-month period.
The minister also announced that an inter-ministerial committee involving both the aviation and petroleum sectors would be established immediately.
According to him, the committee will review the concerns raised by stakeholders and develop a framework that will be acceptable to all parties involved.
