FG RETAINS $300 HELICOPTER LANDING LEVY

The Federal Government has retained the $300 helicopter landing levy payable by operators using designated landing facilities in Nigeria.

The levy forms part of charges associated with helicopter operations and is expected to contribute to government revenue from the aviation sector.

The decision means helicopter operators will continue to pay the prescribed fee when using facilities covered by the policy.

The levy has been a subject of discussion within the aviation industry, with operators and other stakeholders raising concerns about the cost of operating helicopters in Nigeria.

Government authorities, however, have maintained the charge as part of the existing regulatory and revenue framework for the sector.

The Federal Government is expected to continue monitoring compliance by operators and ensure that applicable aviation charges are properly collected.

Industry stakeholders have called for clarity around the administration of the levy and other charges affecting aviation operators.

Helicopter services are used for a range of activities in Nigeria, including transportation, business operations and movement to locations where conventional airport access may be limited.

Operators are therefore expected to factor the levy into their operational costs.

The retention of the charge comes as the government continues efforts to increase revenue from various sectors of the economy while maintaining regulatory oversight.

Aviation stakeholders are expected to continue engaging the authorities over the impact of government charges on the cost of helicopter operations.

The government said the applicable levy remains part of the existing framework governing helicopter landing operations.

Operators affected by the policy are expected to comply with the payment requirements as stipulated by the relevant authorities.