The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency has reignited a contentious dispute with helicopter operators as NAMA moves to reintroduce the controversial $300 helicopter landing fee, according to an internal memo obtained by The PUNCH.

The directive, dated May 15 and signed by NAMA’s General Manager of Air Traffic Control Operations, Akut D.S., instructs two private firms to immediately resume collection of the levy, effective Monday.

“I am directed to convey a ministerial directive on the lifting of the temporary suspension on the enforcement granted to Messrs NAEBI Dynamic Concepts Limited, an aviation consultant, for the collection of helicopter landing levies for air navigational services related to helicopter operations by oil companies. Messrs NAEBI Dynamic Concepts Limited is to immediately resume the collection,” it stated

When contacted, NAMA spokesperson, Abdullah Musa, confirmed the development, saying, “The suspension has been lifted as approved by the ministry. It is with immediate effect.” He, however, declined to provide further comment.

In an exclusive interview with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, it was confirmed that the Federal Government has approved the introduction of a new fee in the aviation sector.

The minister described the move as an additional revenue source for the government.

He also stated that the Airline Operators of Nigeria, who initially opposed the fee, have now consented to its implementation.

“We are aware of the previous objections, particularly from the AON, but they have since reached an agreement. However, we are now seeing new concerns from some oil companies, and I have directed engagement to address their issues,” Keyamo said.

However, the Managing Director of Aero Contractors and an AON member, Capt Ado Sanusi, denied the minister’s claim, stating that the operators had not been officially informed.

Sanusi said, “We are not aware of the recommencement of the fee. The minister has not briefed us. If it is going to happen, we expect to be formally informed.”

When asked about possible actions operators might take if the fee is enforced without proper consultation, the spokesperson of the Airline Operators of Nigeria and founder of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, responded, “Let them inform us first, then we will decide what to do.”

Prof. Okonkwo also reiterated that AON members would not accept any additional charges, stressing that airline operators were already overburdened with numerous taxes.

He said, “NAMA does not take permission from us before doing their thing, but our position is that our operators are not liable to pay any more charges besides the ones we are already paying. We also have enough charges to pay already.”