Petroleum workers, under the aegis of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers and Nigeria’s Senior Oil Staff Association, have called for a lifting of the new landing fee imposed on helicopter operators.
This was disclosed in a joint statement by the General Secretary of NUPENG, Afolabi Olawale, and PENGASSAN’s General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa on Thursday, according to The Punch.
The body bemoaned the imposition of excessive charges on helicopter operators during this period of economic hardship on businesses and citizens by the Federal Ministry of Aviation.
“These new charges, which include a four per cent charge on the gross revenue of helicopter operators, as well as additional levies and taxes, pose a grave threat to the sustainability and viability of the helicopter transport sector that is critical to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
“We recall that a recent memo directed helicopter operators to compulsorily pay for helicopter landing fees at all Nigerian aerodromes helipads, airstrips, floating production storage, and offloading units, floating storage, and offloading units, and other oil platforms to generate more revenue to the Federal Government,” they stated.
The petroleum workers said that it was insensitive at a time when the Federal Government had been seeking investors in the oil and gas sector, muting various incentives to increase its attractiveness.
According to the unions, Nigeria’s oil and gas sector is a vital part of its economy, and helicopter operators serving the sector play a crucial role in its success.
“These operators provide essential transportation services, moving personnel and equipment to offshore platforms and remote locations, ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the industry.
“This unpopular decision has a detrimental impact on the sector, as this incremental cost is going to be passed on to the chartering companies, who will, in turn, transfer the burden to the employees in the sector. We hereby demand the withdrawal of this policy immediately in the overall interest of the country.
“We strongly urge the Ministry of Aviation to immediately withdraw the landing fees on helicopter operators servicing the oil and gas industry. This would not only provide much-needed relief to the sector but also demonstrate your commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment and supporting the growth and development of this crucial industry,” the workers declared.
They urged the government to take immediate action to address this critical issue, as there would be consequences if is not sorted out.
