Operators react to Keyamo’s suspension of $300 helicopter landing fee

The operators welcomed the federal government’s decision to suspend the controversial $300 fee for helipads.

The decision to suspend the tax was made after massive protests against the tax.

Minister of Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo yesterday announced the temporary suspension of the fee for helicopter operators.

Daily Trust reported on Saturday that helicopter operators protested against the levy being outsourced to a consulting firm, Messer’s NAEBI Dynamic Concept Limited.

Keyamo had previously defended the levy imposed by his predecessor, Senator Hadi Sirika, but on Friday he bowed to pressure and announced the suspension in a statement signed by ministry spokesman Odutayo Oluseyi.

He said further action would be taken on the matter after a committee of inquiry submitted its report for scrutiny.

Speaking to our correspondent yesterday, CEO of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, commended the government for the suspension, saying it shows that the government is listening.

In his view, the levy would have hampered the growth of general aviation, which includes helicopter operations.