The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has confirmed that the $300 helicopter landing levy for air navigation services remains applicable to upstream petroleum operations, while clarifying that the Terminal Navigational Charge (TNC) does not apply to landings at private offshore facilities and oil platforms.
The commission made the clarification in a circular dated August 28, 2026, titled “Outcome of the Ministerial Review Committee on the Helicopter Levy for Air Navigational Services” and signed by its Commission Chief Executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan.
The circular followed concerns from oil and gas operators over the introduction and implementation of the helicopter levy.
A Ministerial Review Committee was constituted by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on March 9, 2026, to review the levy.
The committee included representatives of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, NUPRC, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and NAMA’s collection consultant.
Following its review, the committee resolved that the $300 levy per helicopter landing would be retained and paid to NAMA through its approved collection mechanism.
However, it distinguished the levy from the TNC, stating that the TNC applies only to helicopter landings at government-owned aerodromes.
“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 circular stated.
The NUPRC also clarified that the TNC remains applicable to helicopter operations outside upstream petroleum activities, including medical evacuation, private charter and agricultural operations.
The commission directed that the $300 levy be treated as a statutory air navigation charge for cost-reporting purposes.
It said it would communicate the applicable classification and reporting requirements, including how any costs previously recorded under the TNC for upstream helicopter services should be treated.
The review also requires NAMA to deploy low-altitude flight monitoring and surveillance systems to strengthen national security and airspace management.
To support the system, operators will be required to provide flight manifests, movement logs and relevant offshore activity data.
The committee further resolved that no new or revised fee, levy or charge directly affecting upstream petroleum operations should be introduced without prior consultation with the NUPRC and other relevant stakeholders, in line with Section 25 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
The NUPRC has directed upstream petroleum operators, licensees, lessees and helicopter service providers to align their contracts, invoicing and cost-recovery arrangements with the decisions contained in the circular.
The clarification is expected to provide greater certainty for oil and gas companies and aviation service providers over the charges applicable to helicopter operations supporting offshore petroleum activities.
