The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced that the Federal Government retains the $300 helicopter levy for air navigational services.
In a circular signed by the Commission Chief Executive, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, the NUPRC confirmed that the $300 helicopter levy remains payable to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
The Commission said the decision is part of a conclusion reached by the Ministerial Review Committee constituted by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development
The Committee was constituted on March 9, 2026, at the instance of the Commission, which raised concerns on behalf of upstream stakeholders regarding the introduction and implementation of the helicopter levy for air navigational services.
The Committee comprised representatives from the NUPRC, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and NAMA’s appointed collection consultant.
It said the committee clarified that the Terminal Navigational Charge (TNC) applies only to landings at government-owned aerodromes and does not apply to landings at private offshore facilities or platforms.
The TNC will, however, remain applicable to helicopter operations not undertaken in support of upstream petroleum operations, including medical evacuation, private charter, and agricultural operations
“The Levy of US$300 (Three Hundred United States Dollars) per landing is retained and remains payable to NAMA through its approved collection mechanism,” NUPRC stated in a circular signed by its Chief Executive Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan dated August 28, 2026.
“The Terminal Navigational Charge (TNC) 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. It remains applicable to helicopter operations not undertaken in support of upstream petroleum operations, including medical evacuation, private charter and agricultural operations,” it further stated.
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The NUPRC stated that the levy will be treated as a statutory air navigation charge for cost reporting purposes, with the commission to communicate applicable classification and reporting requirements through relevant instruments.
It said NAMA has been directed to deploy low-altitude flight monitoring and surveillance systems, which will require flight manifests, movement logs, and offshore activity data from operators, as part of measures to strengthen national security and airspace governance.
The Committee further ruled that no new or revised fee, levy, or charge having a direct impact on upstream petroleum operations should be introduced without prior consultation with the NUPRC and other relevant stakeholders, in accordance with Section 25 of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.
It directed all upstream petroleum operators, licensees, lessees, and their helicopter service providers to align their contractual, invoicing, and cost-recovery arrangements accordingly.
Victor Ezeja is a Nigerian journalist skilled in producing insightful news analyses, feature stories, and interviews that simplify complex issues and drive informed public discourse. His work combines rigorous research, balanced reporting, and compelling storytelling to highlight developments shaping industries and society. Victor, who holds a Master's Degree in Mass Communication, specializes in energy, aviation, business, and economic reporting. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X