There are strong indications that certain helicopter operators are considering refusing to pay the $300 landing fee implemented by the Federal Government through its concessionaire, NAEBI Dynamic Concepts Limited.
According to a source, some operators have expressed concerns about the new fee and have shown interest in joining the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to oppose NAEBI’s efforts in collecting the levy.
The source also revealed that while some operators have already started paying the fee, others are exploring ways to persuade the federal government to reconsider its decision.
The source said, “I can tell you categorically that the helicopter operators are divided. While some have complied and already paying the charge for any operation;
“…others are seeking to sabotage the federal government initiative by soliciting the intervention of the owner of one of the biggest airlines in the country to arm-twist the minister and mislead the public about the state of affairs in the aviation industry through negative media publicity on this matter.”
The source wondered why an airline owner would want to be dragged into the development, saying, “Why would any airline owner allow himself to be dragged into this matter when the helicopter operators are not the ones to pay this levy? They are merely collection agents.”
Recall that Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, in a recent directive to helicopter operators, stated: “It is imperative that all operators and stakeholders fully comply with this mandate, by granting total access to Messrs NAEBI Dynamic Concepts Limited for the collection of this levy, on behalf of the Federal Government, effective immediately.
“Non-compliance with this directive will constitute a breach of this mandate and will be met with appropriate sanctions. The Ministry will enforce compliance without exception and will pursue all available remedies against any party that fails to adhere to this directive.
“Please note that the Ministry of Aviation will be monitoring compliance with this mandate closely and will take swift action against any violation.”
