By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has clarified the application of the US$300 Helicopter Levy for Air Navigational Services, assuring upstream petroleum operators that the Terminal Navigational Charge (TNC) does not apply to helicopter landings at private offshore facilities and platforms.
The Commission, in a circular signed by its Chief Executive, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, said the $300 helicopter levy remains payable to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
The clarification followed concerns raised by the NUPRC on behalf of stakeholders in the upstream petroleum sector over the introduction, structure and operationalisation of the levy.
The concerns prompted the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), to constitute a Ministerial Review Committee on March 9, 2026, to examine the matter.
Following the review, the Commission said the Terminal Navigational Charge remains applicable to helicopter operations not undertaken in support of upstream petroleum activities.
Such operations, according to the NUPRC, include medical evacuation, private charter services and agricultural operations.
The Commission’s clarification is expected to provide greater certainty to operators in the upstream oil and gas industry regarding applicable aviation-related charges and help distinguish petroleum-support helicopter operations from other commercial and private helicopter activities.
