The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has issued a stern warning to oil and gas operators over their continued failure to remit helicopter landing levies for air navigation services provided across the country.
In a public notice released by the agency, NAMA has given defaulting companies a seven-day deadline to settle outstanding levies or face regulatory sanctions, including the denial of flight clearances.
In a statement signed by the Management of NAMA, the agency emphasized that its enforcement drive is grounded in the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency Act of 2022, which mandates the agency to manage and regulate all air navigation services within Nigeria’s airspace, including helicopter operations to and from oil fields, rigs, terminals, FPSOs, helipads, airstrips, and aerodromes.
“Despite numerous written engagements with oil and gas companies since 2022, in partnership with Naebi Dynamic Concepts Ltd, there has been a persistent pattern of non-compliance. Unfortunately, these proactive efforts have been frustrated by the influence of certain individuals working against regulatory enforcement,” the statement read.
The NAMA management stressed that the collection of helicopter landing levies is a global standard aligned with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) best practices and is necessary to sustain critical air navigation infrastructure.
“These levies are vital to the safe and efficient management of Nigeria’s increasingly complex airspace, which now includes growing drone, helicopter, and fixed-wing aircraft activity,” the agency stated.
According to the NAMA Act, only the agency is legally authorized to provide air navigation services within Nigerian airspace. Any operator failing to meet payment obligations risks being denied access to air navigation services, including the suspension of flight clearances until debts are cleared or a valid payment security is presented.
Furthermore, the agency warned that it may seek ministerial approval to shut down unauthorized helipads or platforms found to be operating without NAMA clearance or in breach of national security protocols.
“As responsible and law-abiding corporate entities, oil companies are urged to formally communicate their payment plans and modalities to Naebi Dynamic Concepts Ltd within seven (7) days from the date of this notice,” NAMA said. “Failure to comply will attract immediate enforcement actions as outlined under the NAMA Act.”
The agency concluded by noting that this measure is not only about financial compliance but also about safeguarding aviation safety, national security, and operational sustainability in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
“This action aligns with international standards and ensures the continued integrity of Nigeria’s air navigation system,” the NAMA Management added.
