May 31, (THEWILL)- The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has announced the temporary suspension of the controversial $300 helicopter landing fee approved by the ministry recently.
Keyamo also constituted a committee to look into the issues raised by concerned stakeholders and submit a report on or before the end of June 2024.
This is coming after the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) rejected the fee, insisting it was commercially injurious to chopper operators and the Nigerian economy in general.
Spokesman of the Ministry, Mr. Odutayo Oluseyi, in a statement on Friday, said the Minister’s directive took effect from May 30, 2024, adding that further actions on the matter would be taken after the review committee submits its report for scrutiny.
The committee, according to Oluseyi, comprises members drawn 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 Limited, which was granted the exclusive right by the Federal Government to collect such levies.
The Minister had in a later on April 25 directed stakeholders and civilian helicopter operators to pay a levy of $300 per landing to NAEBI Dynamic Concept Ltd, a consultant contracted by the ministry.
About the Author
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
