In response to the recent decision by the Federal Government to authorize NAEBI Dynamic Concepts Limited as the exclusive collector of Helicopter Landing Levies across all aerodromes nationwide, helicopter operators are contemplating suspending their operations due to the surge in landing fees imposed by the government.
Mr. Ado Sanusi, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Aero Contractors, expressed concerns to reporters, stating that operators might be compelled to halt their services or pursue legal recourse.
Sanusi argued that the increased landing charges lacked justification, pointing out that operators already pay for the services rendered to them. He emphasized that helipads utilized in offshore operations belong to international oil companies, and therefore, operators fulfill their financial obligations to aviation agencies, as the helipads are not federal government property.
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Highlighting a discrepancy, Sanusi mentioned that the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) recommends that government agencies in the aviation sector engage in cost recovery. However, he lamented that the government has transformed these agencies into profit-driven entities within the industry.
Moreover, Sanusi asserted that matters concerning security and the identification of helipads in Nigeria fall under the purview of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Air Force, and other relevant security agencies, emphasizing that it does not fall within the realm of civil aviation.
Recently, the Minister of Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo, issued a memorandum addressed to all civilian helicopter operators and stakeholders in Nigeria, granting NAEBI Dynamic Concepts Limited exclusive rights to collect Helicopter Landing Levies. The memo underscored the importance of full compliance with this directive, warning of sanctions for non-compliance.
Keyamo emphasized the ministry’s commitment to enforcing compliance without exceptions and stated their intent to pursue all available remedies against any party failing to adhere to the directive.
