Keyamo suspends controversial $300 helicopter landing fee – The Sun Nigeria

From Chinelo Obogo

Minister of Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Friday announced the temporary suspension of the controversial $300 helicopter landing fee, which was outsourced to NAEBI Dynamic Concept Limited. The move, which came into effect on May 30, has been well received by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), who vehemently opposed the devastating fee, insisting that it was economically damaging to helicopter operators and the Nigerian economy in general. Keyamo announced the suspension in a statement signed by Odutayo Oluseyi, the ministry’s spokesperson. He said further action on the matter would be taken after a committee of inquiry submitted its report for consideration. The statement continued: “Accordingly, Keyamo has set up a committee with members from the Ministry of Aerospace Development and its relevant agencies, the Airlines of Nigeria (AON), International Oil Companies (IOCs) and Messer’s NAEBI Dynamic Concept Ltd, to investigate the issues raised by the concerned stakeholders and submit a report no later than the end of June 2024.

“The company NAEBI Dynamic Concept Ltd has been appointed by the Federal Government as a consultant with the sole authority to impose such levies, with stakeholders expressing reservations on the appropriateness of the levies. The committee’s recommendation(s) would provide a way forward.” Keyamo’s change of position was surprising as on May 14 he had urged those who thought the ministry was bluffing when it recently announced the new $300 per landing fee for helicopter operators to think again as the levy will now come into effect.

He said the new arrangement, which also serves as a cost recovery measure, is in line with best international practices and is designed to improve the quality of helicopter operations in Nigeria.

The minister stressed in a statement that helipad fees were common practice in countries such as the United States, Britain, India and various regions around the world, and asked why Nigeria should be an exception.