The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has announced plans to recommence the collection of the controversial $300 landing fee from helicopter operators. The fee, suspended in May 2024 following widespread backlash, aims to address the agency’s financial constraints, according to NAMA’s Director of Air Traffic Services, Tayo John.
Speaking at the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA) 53rd Annual General Meeting in Kano, John highlighted the challenges faced by NAMA, including high operational costs, dependence on foreign exchange, and significant deductions from its internally generated revenue.
“In the next few weeks, we will recommence the collection of the $300 landing fee. While it was previously suspended due to government intervention, this time, there is no going back,” he stated.
The landing fee, managed by NAEBI Dynamic Concept Limited, applies to helicopter operations on oil rigs and private helipads. Stakeholders, including the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), have criticized the policy, citing the lack of legal justification and the financial burden it places on operators, which could increase operational costs by 127% and inflate the overall tax burden to 45%.
NAMA, however, insists the fee is necessary to maintain air navigation services and infrastructure. John also noted that NAMA faces limitations in modernizing equipment and providing consistent training for personnel due to financial constraints.
Despite the controversy, the agency remains firm in its decision to implement the fee, aiming to bolster its capacity to deliver safe and reliable air navigation services across Nigeria.
