BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Abuja
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) in a statement by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Abdullahi Musa has debunked claims that they are planning to reintroduce
the $300 helicopter landing fee.
Abdullahi, who reiterated that the agency holds it’s
stakeholders in high esteem through engagements, reaffirmed that the landing fee issue has remained on hold since May 2024.
Stressing that the decision to put on hold talks about helicopter landing fee aligned with ongoing consultations led by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the agency’s spokesperson, Abdullahi, said story to the contrary is baseless and untrue.
“The insinuation, therefore, is baseless, unofficial, and was never in the contemplation of the agency.
“NAMA wishes to use this medium to disabuse the minds of operators and airspace users generally about the misleading publication. For the avoidance of doubt, the agency, as a law-abiding corporate citizen of this country, cannot embark on such a venture without recourse to extant rules and adequate input from concerned stakeholders.” NAMA spokesperson maintained.
While noting that the agency underscored its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and efficiency of Nigeria’s airspace, NAMA reassured that
“”The $300 helicopter landing fee was originally suspended on May 30, 2024, following widespread backlash from operators.
“‘The fee, managed by Naebi Dynamic Concept Limited, faced criticism for its alleged commercial harm to helicopter operators and its adverse effects on the Nigerian economy”.
Giving background into what transpired, that led to the landing fees suspension, NAMA spokesperson, Abdulahi said, “”Stakeholders, including airline executives and oil workers’ unions, argued that the charge lacked both legal grounding and due process.
”This controversy prompted the minister to prioritize consultation over unilateral action, fostering a more inclusive decision-making process””.
Addressing industry concerns, the statement by NAMA reassured operators that it remained focused on collaborative solutions, adding, “Helicopter operators are encouraged to continue their legitimate activities while the agency works assiduously to safeguard air navigation safety in the country,”
Abdullahi further noted that as they are transitioning from contentious policy proposals, NAMA remained committed to its mission of balancing regulatory compliance with the economic realities of aviation stakeholders.
