….gives 7-day deadline, cites national security
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has announced a renewed enforcement drive to ensure the full compliance of oil and gas operators with statutory obligations on helicopter landing levies across the country’s airspace infrastructure.
The agency, which is legally mandated to manage air navigation services across Nigeria, stated that operators using airfields, rigs, terminals, FPSO units, helipads, airstrips, and aerodromes must immediately comply with provisions of the NAMA Act, particularly on the prompt payment of levies for navigational services rendered.
Despite repeated engagements since 2022, carried out in partnership with Naebi Dynamic Concepts Limited, NAMA says a large number of stakeholders in the oil and gas sector have continued to neglect these obligations.
The agency in a statement attributed the prolonged non-compliance to the interference of certain individuals undermining regulatory processes.
NAMA emphasized that the enforcement of helicopter landing charges is not only lawful but consistent with global best practices.
According to the agency, such levies are already in force across International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) member countries in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
The funds generated, it stressed, are vital to maintaining and upgrading the nation’s air navigation infrastructure, particularly in an era of increasing drone, helicopter, and fixed-wing aircraft operations.
The agency reiterated its exclusive legal authority under the NAMA Act 2022 to provide and manage all air navigation and traffic control services for aircraft taking off and landing in Nigerian airspace.
It warned that any unauthorized operator or individual attempting to perform such services would be in breach of the law.
In a firm stance on enforcement, NAMA disclosed that defaulting operators may face sanctions such as the denial or suspension of flight clearances until all outstanding fees are settled or a satisfactory payment guarantee is provided.
NAMA threatened to take decisive action against unauthorized use of airspace through private helipads or platforms operating without clearance, describing such actions as threats to national security.
In such cases, the agency said it would seek ministerial approval to shut down or relocate the facilities involved, in line with Section 8(3) of the Act.
NAMA has now given all affected oil and gas companies a seven-day ultimatum to communicate their proposed payment plans and modalities to Naebi Dynamic Concepts Limited.
Failure to respond within the stipulated timeframe, the agency warned, would trigger immediate enforcement measures, including the restriction of helicopter operations to key oil and gas facilities.
The agency noted that this enforcement action is not solely about revenue collection, but also a necessary step to uphold national security, enhance aviation safety, and support the sustainability of Nigeria’s airspace infrastructure in accordance with international standards.
