Upstream oil regulator has confirmed that a $300 levy per helicopter landing for air navigation services will continue to apply to petroleum operations, while ruling that a separate Terminal Navigational Charge does not apply to private offshore facilities or oil platforms.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) issued the clarification in a circular signed by its chief executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, following concerns raised by industry stakeholders over the levy’s introduction and implementation.
The $300 charge per landing remains payable to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) through its approved collection system and will be treated as a statutory air navigation charge for cost-reporting purposes.
“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,” the NUPRC stated.
It added that the TNC “remains applicable to helicopter operations not undertaken in support of upstream petroleum operations,” including medical evacuation, private charter and agricultural flights.
Upstream operators, licensees, lessees and helicopter service providers have been directed to adjust their contracts, invoicing and cost-recovery arrangements in line with the clarification. The commission said it would issue further guidance on classification and reporting requirements.
NAMA is required to deploy low-altitude flight monitoring and surveillance systems to improve airspace governance and national security. Operators must provide flight manifests, movement logs and offshore activity data as part of the monitoring framework.
The NUPRC emphasised that no new or revised fee, levy or charge affecting upstream petroleum operations should be introduced without prior consultation with the commission and relevant stakeholders, in accordance with Section 25 of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.
The $300 helicopter landing levy has been the subject of prolonged industry disputes since its initial introduction, with previous suspensions and revisions shifting payment responsibility to oil companies.
