The Digest:
The Federal Government has ordered a temporary suspension of helicopter landing fee enforcement and collection on oil and gas operators for an initial two-month period. Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo issued the directive during a meeting with Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil) Heineken Lokpobiri and industry stakeholders in Abuja. Oil representatives raised concerns that continued enforcement of statutory fees on helicopter operations servicing oil facilities could disrupt critical sector activities. The charges cover helicopter operations linked to oil fields, terminals, platforms, rigs, FPSO facilities, heliports, helipads, airstrips, and aerodromes. Keyamo also announced an inter-ministerial committee comprising aviation and petroleum representatives to review concerns and develop a mutually acceptable framework. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to regulatory policies supporting operational efficiency in the aviation and petroleum sectors.
Key Points
- Two-month suspension of helicopter landing fee enforcement on oil companies.
- The decision follows concerns from oil industry stakeholders over operational disruption.
- Fees cover helicopter operations servicing oil fields, platforms, rigs, and facilities.
- An inter-ministerial committee to review concerns and develop a new framework.
- Both ministries commit to supporting operational efficiency.
Sources: Ministry Statement
