Oil operators, licensees, lessees and helicopter service providers in the upstream petroleum sector will continue to pay a $300 levy for every helicopter landing, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has said.
The commission disclosed this in a circular dated August 28, 2026, titled, ‘Outcome of the Ministerial Review Committee on the Helicopter Levy for Air Navigational Services’.
The circular followed concerns raised by the commission on behalf of upstream stakeholders over the introduction, structure and operationalisation of the helicopter levy for air navigational services.
According to the NUPRC, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, constituted a Ministerial Review Committee on March 9, 2026, to examine the levy.
The committee comprised representatives of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency and NAMA’s appointed collection consultant, alongside the NUPRC.
Following its review, the committee resolved to retain the levy at $300 per landing.
“The levy of $300 per landing is retained and remains payable to NAMA through its approved collection mechanism,” the commission stated.
The NUPRC further clarified the scope of the Terminal Navigational Charge, saying it would only apply to helicopter landings at government-owned aerodromes.
It said the charge would not apply to landings at private offshore facilities or platforms.
“The Terminal Navigational Charge is payable only in respect of a landing at a government-owned aerodrome and does not apply to a landing at a private offshore facility or platform,” the circular stated.
However, the commission noted that the terminal charge would continue to apply to helicopter operations outside upstream petroleum activities.
“It remains applicable to helicopter operations not undertaken in support of upstream petroleum operations,” it added.
The review followed concerns from upstream operators over the financial and operational implications of the helicopter levy, which is collected by NAMA.
The NUPRC said it participated in the ministerial review alongside the aviation and security agencies as the regulator representing the interests of upstream petroleum stakeholders.
The latest decision means that oil companies and other affected upstream operators will continue to bear the $300 charge for each helicopter landing, subject to the conditions outlined by the review committee.
