THE Federal Government has announced a temporary suspension of the controversial $300 helicopter landing fee levied on helicopter operators.
This newspaper reports that helicopter operators have protested against the levy outsourced to a consultant, Messers NAEBI Dynamic Concept Limited.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, had earlier defended the levy inherited from his predecessor, Senator Hadi Sirika.
But he bowed to pressure on Friday while announcing the suspension in a statement signed by Odutayo Oluseyi, the Ministry’s Spokesman.
He said further actions on the matter would be taken after a review committee submits its report for scrutiny.
The statement read: “Following a meeting with the AON executive on the issue bordering on Helicopter landing levies collection at Aerodromes, Helipads, Air Strips, etc, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has temporarily suspended the enforcement granted Messers NAEBI Dynamic Concept Ltd, by the Federal Government, as consultants to collect such levies.
“The suspension is with effect from 30th May, 2024. This, the Minister said is as a result of clamor for review by some stakeholders in the industry.
“Accordingly, Keyamo has constituted a Committee with members drawn up from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and its relevant Agencies, Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), International Oil Companies (IOCs) and Messers NAEBI Dynamic Concept Ltd who are charged to look into the issues raised by concerned Stakeholders and submit a Report on or before end of June, 2024.
“Messers NAEBI Dynamic Concept Ltd was granted the exclusive right by the Federal Government as consultants to collect such levies which stakeholders have expressed their reservation on the appropriateness of the levies. The recommendation(s) of the Committee would proffer a way forward.”
