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By Chinelo Obogo
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, on Friday, announced the temporary suspension of the controversial $300 helicopter landing fee outsourced to Messers NAEBI Dynamic Concept Limited.
The move, which took effect from May 30, resonates strongly with the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), who vehemently rejected the scathing fee, insisting it was commercially injurious to chopper operators and the Nigerian economy in general.
Keyamo announced the suspension in a statement signed by Odutayo Oluseyi, the Ministry’s Spokesman.
He said further actions on the matter would be taken after a review committee submits its report for scrutiny.
“The statement read: “Following a meeting with the AON executive on the issue bordering on Helicopter landing levies collection at Aerodromes, Helipads, Air Strips, etc, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has temporarily suspended the enforcement granted Messers NAEBI Dynamic Concept Ltd, by the Federal Government, as consultants to collect such levies. “The suspension is with effect from 30th May, 2024. This, the Minister said is as a result of clamor for review by some stakeholders in the industry.
“Accordingly, Keyamo has constituted a Committee with members drawn up from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and its relevant Agencies, Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), International Oil Companies (IOCs) and Messers NAEBI Dynamic Concept Ltd who are charged to look into the issues raised by concerned Stakeholders and submit a Report on or before end of June, 2024.
“Messers NAEBI Dynamic Concept Ltd was granted the exclusive right by the Federal Government as consultants to collect such levies which stakeholders have expressed their reservation on the appropriateness of the levies. “The recommendation(s) of the Committee would proffer a way forward”.
Keyamo shifting grounds was surprising as he had on May 14, asked those thinking the Ministry was bluffing when it recently unveiled the new $300 per landing fee for helicopter operators to have a rethink as the levy has come to stay.
He said the new rule, which is also a cost recovery measure, is consistent with international best practices and designed to enhance the quality of helicopter operations in Nigeria.
The Minister in a statement emphasised that helicopter landing levies are commonplace in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and various regions worldwide, wondering why Nigeria should be an exception. “For instance, Tallahassee International Airport in Florida began implementing helicopter landing levies under Vector Airport Systems on October 1, 2022. Helicopter landing levies are common across airfields in the United Kingdom, ranging from major commercial ones to small general aviation fields. Typically, helicopter levies match or exceed those for fixed-wing aircraft, varying based on factors like location and services provided”, Keyamo explained.
