The Federal Government has temporarily suspended the controversial $300 helicopter landing fee imposed on operators, following widespread protests.
This decision came after helicopter operators objected to the levy outsourced to consultant Messers NAEBI Dynamic Concept Limited.
Earlier, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, had defended the levy, which was inherited from his predecessor, Senator Hadi Sirika.
However, he conceded to pressure on Friday, announcing the suspension in a statement signed by Odutayo Oluseyi, the Ministry’s Spokesman.
“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 statement read.
The suspension, effective from May 30, 2024, is a response to calls for a review by stakeholders in the aviation industry.
Keyamo has formed a review committee comprising members from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, its relevant agencies, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), International Oil Companies (IOCs), and Messers NAEBI Dynamic Concept Ltd.
The committee is tasked with examining the issues raised by stakeholders and submitting a report by the end of June 2024.
The statement continued, “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.”
