Keyamo suspends $300 helicopter landing levy

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the temporary suspension of the controversial $300 helicopter landing fee on Friday.

The decision follows strong opposition from the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), who argued that the fee was commercially damaging.

The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s spokesperson, Odutayo Oluseyi, released a statement detailing the suspension and the formation of a committee to address stakeholders’ concerns. The committee is expected to submit its report by the end of June.

The statement reads: “Following a meeting with the AON executive on the issue bordering on helicopter landing levies collection at aerodromes, helipads, airstrips, etc., the 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 May 30, 2024. This, the minister said, is a result of a clamour 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 the end of June 2024.

“Messers NAEBI Dynamic Concept Ltd. was granted the exclusive right by the Federal Government as consultants to collect such levies, and stakeholders have expressed their reservations about the appropriateness of the levies.

“The recommendation of the Committee would offer a way forward.”

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