From Suleiman Amagbor, in Lagos.
Amidst the controversies surrounding the introduction of a mandatory fee for helicopter landing across the country, the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has clarified the rationale behind the decision, saying that the fee was a cost recovery measure for the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
Making its position in an electronic document made available to our correspondent in Lagos, the Ministry explained that it recognizes the importance of helicopter operations in Nigeria’s aviation industry, saying it is committed to implementing international best practices in helicopter operations through NAMA.
Head, Press and Public Affairs in the Ministry, Mr. Seyi Odutayo said that the introduction of helicopter landing levies were in line with international best practices to enhance the quality of helicopter operations.
He said Helicopter landing levies were commonplace in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and various regions worldwide, adding that Tallahassee International Airport in Florida began implementing helicopter landing levies under Vector Airport Systems since October 1, 2022.
Helicopter landing levies are common across airfields in the United Kingdom, ranging from major commercial ones to small general aviation fields, he said further.
According to him, “Typically, helicopter levies match or exceed those for fixed-wing aircraft, varying based on factors like location and services provided.
“The Federal Government has granted NAEBI Dynamic Concepts Limited exclusive rights to collect helicopter landing levies in line with the MoU between NAEBI Concept and NAMA (focal Agency), Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).”
“It is instructive to note that NAMA under the Act as amended in 2022 is empowered to collect aeronautical revenues in both the upper and lower airspace to support her self-sustainability. However, over the years NAMA has predominantly relied on the upper airspace for her revenue generation.
“Government in her wisdom having discovered a lacuna on the lower airspace where helicopter operations is dominant directed NAMA to live up to her responsibilities to enable them generate enough resources to sustain their aeronautical architecture, enhance security and surveillance, and improve the overall quality of helicopter operations in Nigeria.
“We are confident that this move will improve capacity, efficiency, safety, security, and attract more investment in the aviation industry. We encourage all stakeholders to be committed to this laudable initiative that has followed due processes and procedures, and should embrace the new normal.”, the statement said further.
