Aviation operators commend minister for halting $300 helicopter landing fee

By Innocent Raphael 

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have applauded Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, for suspending the proposed $300 helicopter landing and take-off fee.

Recall that a memo from Keyamo had mandated helicopter operators to pay $300 per flight at designated landing zones across Nigeria, with Naebi Dynamic Concept Limited authorized to collect these fees, with strict compliance emphasized and sanctions threatened for noncompliance.

However, operators argued that the fee violated Nigerian laws and international regulations, as fees should only be charged for services rendered. Following a meeting with Keyamo, the AON succeeded in securing a temporary suspension of the fee and the formation of a committee to investigate the issue.

On Thursday, June 6, the aviation body officially stated that the government had not followed proper procedures for introducing the fee, including seeking approval from relevant authorities or consulting stakeholders.

In a statement signed by AON spokesperson Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, the organization noted that in 2021, former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika had approved Naebi Dynamic Concept Limited to collect the fees.

According to AON, despite lacking the legal framework and justification, Sirika approved the proposal, leading to Naebi demanding substantial payments from helicopter operators without providing any services.

The AON detailed that in 2018, Naebi proposed the fee to Sirika, who forwarded it to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for comment. 

The body also revealed that the NCAA found no legal basis for the fee, noting that it charged certification fees for helipads but did not provide services to justify the proposed fee.

AON further asserted that the  Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) also had no legal framework to impose such a charge outside of airports where regular landing fees already applied.

The AON’s statement outlined multiple reasons for rejecting the fee:

– NAMA provides no additional services to justify the fee at various helipads and oil industry locations.

– The imposition of the fee without service provision violates the NAMA Act and ICAO guidelines.

– NAMA did not obtain NCAA approval or consult stakeholders before imposing the fee.

– The fee is demanded in US dollars, contravening the Central Bank of Nigeria Act.

– The procurement of Naebi’s services did not follow the Public Procurement Act.

After a recent meeting with Keyamo, the fee collection was temporarily suspended, and a committee was established to review the AON’s concerns.

The AON further commended Keyamo for his leadership and support for the aviation industry’s growth and sustainability.