JUST IN: KEYAMO SUSPENDS THE CONTROVERSIAL HELICOPTER LANDING LEVY

Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has declared a temporary suspension of the controversial helicopter landing tax recently implemented by the federal government.
Keyamo, in a statement issued on Friday by his ministry’s spokeswoman, Odutayo Oluseyi, stated that the suspension is to enable for a review of the policy after stakeholders expressed concerns about its implementation.

The federal government announced the implementation of a $300 helicopter landing charge.

According to a statement published by the Ministry of Aviation’s Press and Public Affairs Manager, the government has authorized the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to begin charging fees.

The announcement further stated that NAEBI Dynamic Concepts Limited has been granted sole authority to administer helicopter landing fees for federal entities on behalf of NAMA for the federal government.

However, following the vociferous rejection of the fee by aviation stakeholders, Keyamo stated on Friday that the levy will be postponed from May 30, 2024, to allow for a reassessment.

He stated that a committee has been formed to investigate the issues raised by concerned parties and report back by the end of June 2024.

“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”.