The Federal Government has announced a temporary suspension of the contentious $300 helicopter landing fee imposed on operators,Daily Trust reports.
According to Daily Trust, helicopter operators have protested against the levy, which was outsourced to the consultancy firm Messers NAEBI Dynamic Concept Limited.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, had initially defended the levy, which was introduced by his predecessor, Senator Hadi Sirika. However, Keyamo yielded to pressure on Friday, announcing the suspension in a statement signed by Odutayo Oluseyi, the Ministry’s spokesman.
Keyamo stated that further action would be taken after a review committee submits its report for scrutiny.
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The statement read: “Following a meeting with the AON executive on the issue concerning the collection of helicopter landing levies at aerodromes, helipads, airstrips, etc., Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has temporarily suspended the enforcement granted to Messers NAEBI Dynamic Concept Ltd by the Federal Government as consultants to collect such levies.
“The suspension takes effect from May 30, 2024. This decision was made in response to calls for a review by various stakeholders in the industry.
“Accordingly, Keyamo has formed a committee with 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. This committee is tasked with examining the issues raised by stakeholders and submitting a report by the end of June 2024.
“Messers NAEBI Dynamic Concept Ltd was granted the exclusive right by the Federal Government to collect these levies, which has led to stakeholder concerns about their appropriateness. The committee’s recommendations will provide a way forward.”
