In a significant development, the International Oil Companies (IOCs) and Local Oil Companies (LOCs) under the aegis of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) met with officials of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, representatives of NAEBI Dynamic Concepts Limited, and aviation industry regulators to create a framework for navigational services.

The meeting, held in Abuja on Wednesday, aimed to establish a framework for helicopter landing levies collected by NAEBI Dynamic Concepts Limited, the ministry’s agent. The levies are applied within the lower airspace, targeting IOCs and LOCs, in line with global conventions and international best practices.

The discussions extensively covered issues related to facilities, building and navigational equipment, and the training of youths already deployed by the IOCs. The IOCs were encouraged to allow NAEBI Dynamic Concepts to support their community relations efforts.

NAEBI Dynamic Concepts Limited is the government-approved consultant responsible for handling levies on helicopter services for monitoring, surveillance, and security within Nigeria’s lower airspace. The helicopter landing levies are aeronautical revenues intended to strengthen national security and generate revenue for the government.

The amended NAMA Act 2023 mandates the provision of air traffic services in Nigeria and empowers NAMA to charge for all services it provides. The Act also allows the Agency to appoint, contract, liaise, or cooperate with experts to assist in carrying out its functions.

The meeting follows initial complaints from the Airline Operators in Nigeria (AON), which led to the temporary suspension of the approval granted to NAEBI Dynamic Concepts Limited. A Ministerial Committee was formed to address the issues and provide recommendations.

The committee’s report, which includes strong evidence and empirical data supporting the initiative, has been submitted to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. The report highlights the benefits of the helicopter landing levies, including validation from critical stakeholders, job opportunities, legal framework, and various benefits.

There are indications that the levy may be reviewed, or some sort of concession given to IOCs. The Minister’s directive is eagerly awaited in this regard.

The IOCs that attended the meeting included the OPTS Oil Producers Trade Section, while those that attended virtually included Agip, Shell, Total, Mobil, Elf, Chevron, among others.

This development is a significant step towards creating a framework for navigational services and resolving the issues surrounding helicopter landing levies in Nigeria’s aviation sector.