The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has issued a final warning to oil and gas companies operating within Nigeria regarding the persistent non-payment of helicopter landing levies. These levies, amounting to $300 per landing, are mandated under the NAMA Act of 2022 and cover helicopter operations servicing oil fields, terminals, platforms, rigs, Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) units, and other related infrastructure. NAMA emphasizes that these charges are essential for maintaining and upgrading air navigation infrastructure, ensuring safe and efficient airspace management, and are consistent with international aviation standards practiced across the globe. The agency asserts its exclusive authority to provide air navigation services within Nigerian airspace, prohibiting any other entity from offering such services.
Despite ongoing engagement since 2022, including collaborations with Naebi Dynamic Concepts Limited (a partner engaged for enforcement), compliance with the levy payment remains significantly low. NAMA attributes this non-compliance to the influence of unnamed individuals within the oil and gas sector who are actively discouraging adherence to the regulations. The agency stresses that the levies are crucial for supporting the increasing complexity of airspace management, particularly given the rise in drone, helicopter, and fixed-wing aircraft operations within the country. The revenue generated is directly linked to enhancing safety and efficiency in air traffic control, ultimately contributing to the overall security and stability of Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.
NAMA has articulated a clear set of sanctions for non-compliant operators. These include denying or withholding flight clearances until outstanding levies are settled or satisfactory guarantees for payment are provided. In more severe cases, particularly those involving unauthorized helipads or platforms operating without NAMA clearance, the agency will pursue ministerial approval for the shutdown or relocation of such facilities, in accordance with the NAMA Act. This firm stance underscores the agency’s commitment to upholding its regulatory mandate and ensuring the safety and integrity of Nigerian airspace.
A seven-day ultimatum has been issued to the affected oil and gas companies, requiring them to submit comprehensive payment plans to Naebi Dynamic Concepts Limited. Failure to adhere to this deadline will trigger immediate enforcement action, including the denial of flight clearances for all helicopter operations related to oil and gas activities. NAMA clarifies that this action is not simply about enforcing regulations but is essential for safeguarding national security, enhancing aviation safety, and ensuring the long-term operational sustainability of Nigeria’s aviation sector, aligning with international best practices.
The history of the $300 helicopter landing levy reveals a contentious relationship between NAMA and the oil and gas industry. Introduced in 2024, the levy initially sparked significant opposition from helicopter operators, leading to its temporary suspension. Critics argued that the charges were arbitrary and implemented without sufficient consultation. However, NAMA reinstated the levy in 2025, emphasizing its necessity for covering the high operational costs associated with managing air navigation systems, particularly in remote locations where helicopter traffic to offshore oil and gas facilities is concentrated.
This latest enforcement notice signifies a critical juncture in the ongoing dispute. The possibility of grounded helicopter operations poses a significant risk to oil production, as the transport of personnel and equipment to offshore facilities would be severely hampered. This could have significant economic implications for both the oil and gas sector and Nigeria’s economy as a whole. The situation demands immediate action from the oil and gas companies, forcing them to choose between compliance with the regulations or potentially crippling disruptions to their operations. The next seven days will be pivotal in determining the course of this standoff and its impact on the Nigerian oil and gas industry.
