Helicopter landing levy, strategic necessity, not a burden , says expert

 

 Helicopter landing levy, strategic necessity, not a burden , says expert 

A former Director , Air Transport Management in the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development , Hassan Tai Ejibunu has called on oil companies engaging in offshore operations and other players who rely heavily on helicopter transport for personnel and equipment to comply with the regulatory enforcement regime approved by the Federal government.

Compliance in the payment of the  prescribed helicopter landing levy by the affected organizations, Ejibunu  said, has not only become compelling, but part of the targeted contribution toward the maintenance, modernization, and expansion of Nigeria’s air navigation infrastructure, which is now a  backbone of both civilian and military aviation.

Ejibunu's comment is coming on the heels of  the regulatory enforcement of Helicopter Landing Levy by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, which has  sparked a  huge debate  among stakeholders in the oil and gas sector in recent weeks.

Though critics have  argued  that the levy, which is to be paid on a pay-as-you-use- basis by oil companies operating offshore, constitutes an undue financial burden, Ejibunu, however, noted that such perspective overlooks the broader national interest and the critical role played by NAMA in safeguarding the country's  skies, as well as the high cost of such critical aviation infrastructure.

He said : " The levy, which is on a pay-as-you-use basis, is unavoidable and only charged for the use of Nigerian Airspace and NAMA Air navigational services.  

"NAMA’s infrastructure supports not only commercial flights but also helicopter operations to offshore platforms, military surveillance, and increasingly, the regulation of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) in our airspace.

"To suggest that oil companies, who are among the primary beneficiaries of these services, should be exempted  from contributing to their sustainability is both inequitable and short-sighted. 

"Offshore oil operations rely heavily on helicopter transport for personnel and equipment. These flights depend on NAMA’s radar systems, communication networks, and air traffic control to ensure safety and efficiency. 

"Without adequate funding, these systems risk degradation, which could lead to delays, accidents, or worse—security breaches.

 "Indeed, the absence of modern navigational infrastructure is a national security risk.  As NAMA has flagged, outdated equipment and poor inter-agency coordination already pose threats to aviation security."

Ejibunu said in  an era of heightened drone activity and evolving aerial threats, the ability to monitor and manage Nigeria’s airspace in real time is no longer  optional, but  essential. 

He went on: "The military, too, relies on NAMA’s infrastructure for coordinated operations, making its upkeep a matter of sovereignty.

" Moreover, the levy aligns with global best practices. Similar charges exist in other oil-producing nations, where aviation infrastructure is funded through user-based contributions. 

"The oil companies operating in Nigeria, many of which are multinationals, are no strangers to such frameworks, but are being aided by some Nigerians to work against adherence to established regulatory requirements."

Ejibunu said rather  than resist  the levy, stakeholders should view it as an investment in safety, security, and operational continuity. 

He said :" The cost of a single aviation incident, whether in lives, environmental damage, or reputational loss to Nigeria’s rating in the global aviation community, would far outweigh the cumulative impact of this modest fee.

" The  Helicopter Landing Levy is not a burden. It is a shared responsibility. And in a sector as vital and high-risk as aviation, shared responsibility is the only path to sustainable progress and enhanced national security."