The Federal Government has suspended the enforcement of helicopter landing fees for oil and gas operations for an initial period of two months. The directive was issued by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, following concerns from the petroleum sector that the fees could disrupt critical operations.
The announcement came during a meeting in Abuja with the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and representatives from major oil industry groups. Officials from the aviation sector, including the outgoing Permanent Secretary, Dr Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr Umar Farouk, were also in attendance.
Oil industry representatives, including the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, raised concerns that the fees imposed on helicopter services supporting oil fields, terminals, rigs, FPSO units, and other petroleum infrastructure could hinder operations if strictly enforced.
Following the discussions, Keyamo announced the formation of an inter-ministerial committee involving both aviation and petroleum sector officials. The committee is tasked with reviewing the concerns raised and developing a framework that balances regulatory compliance with operational efficiency for all stakeholders.
Both ministers emphasized the need for continued collaboration to ensure regulatory policies support the aviation and petroleum industries, which are critical to Nigeria’s economy. The temporary suspension is aimed at providing time for a more sustainable and acceptable policy framework.
