BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has announced the immediate commencement of strict enforcement of helicopter landing levies for air navigation services provided within the Nigerian airspace.
The directive targets helicopter operations to and from oil fields, terminals, offshore platforms, rigs, Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) units, private helipads, airstrips, and aerodromes.
According to the Agency, the enforcement aligns with its statutory responsibilities under the NAMA Act and is critical to ensuring aviation safety, sustaining infrastructure, and upholding Nigeria’s national security protocols.
Despite repeated engagements since 2022, particularly in partnership with Naebi Dynamic Concepts Limited, NAMA expressed concern that many oil and gas operators have failed to comply with existing regulatory provisions.
“Since 2022, we have issued multiple communications to stakeholders to encourage adherence to the statutory provisions of the NAMA Act.
“Unfortunately, these proactive efforts have not yielded the desired results, largely due to the interference of certain individuals who continue to undermine regulatory compliance,” the Agency stated.
NAMA stressed that the levies are not arbitrary but rooted in international aviation standards and are in practice across several ICAO member states in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
“The enforcement of helicopter landing levies aligns with global best practices and is essential to sustaining the maintenance, upgrading, and acquisition of modern air navigation infrastructure.
“These are critical to the safe and efficient management of Nigeria’s airspace, especially given the growing operations of drones, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft,” the Agency explained.
Citing Sections 8 and 9 of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Act, 2022, the Agency reaffirmed its exclusive legal authority to provide and manage air traffic and air navigation services for all aircraft movements within Nigerian airspace.
It emphasized that any attempt by individuals or entities to perform such functions outside the framework of the law constitutes a violation.
“A person other than the Agency shall not provide air navigation services in respect of Nigerian airspace or any other airspace which Nigeria has the responsibility to manage,” it declared.
NAMA warned that sanctions would be imposed on defaulting operators, including denial or withholding of flight clearances until outstanding charges are settled or acceptable guarantees are provided.
The Agency further cautioned that private helipads or platforms operating without appropriate NAMA clearance and in breach of national security protocols would face decisive action.
“Where operators persist in unauthorized usage of Nigerian airspace, we shall seek the approval of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development to shut down and relocate such facilities used in connection with unauthorized navigational operations,” NAMA stated, referencing Section 8(3) of its governing Act.
As part of its enforcement strategy, NAMA is urging all affected oil and gas companies to formally communicate their payment plans to Naebi Dynamic Concepts Ltd within seven days from the date of its notice.
It warned that failure to comply within the stipulated period would lead to enforcement measures, including the denial of flight clearances for helicopter operations to and from all listed facilities.
“This action is undertaken not merely to enforce regulatory compliance, but to safeguard national security, enhance aviation safety, promote operational sustainability, and ensure the continued efficiency of Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem,” the Agency said.
It reaffirmed its commitment to international obligations and to the pursuit of globally accepted aviation practices.
NAMA called on all operators to demonstrate corporate responsibility and regulatory integrity by aligning their operations with national aviation laws.
“We urge all stakeholders to act in the interest of safety, sustainability, and the collective good of the nation,” the Agency said.
