Govt addresses industry’s concerns in halt of helicopter landing levy

Sade Williams/Business a.m.

Pressing concerns of aviation industry stakeholders are responsible for the sudden stoppage of the collection of helicopter landing levy by a government appointed concessionaire, a clarification  document has shown.

The clarification document also said the stoppage of the enforcement of the project is temporary to allow for these concerns to be addressed.

Titled “Aviation Industry Update: Clearing the Air on Helicopter Landing Levies Collection”, the document affirmed that recent reports concerning the project seem to have sparked confusion among aviation industry stakeholders as it relates to the project.

The document affirmed that Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, temporarily suspended the project to take a deeper look into the issues raised by stakeholders.

It said: “Contrary to reports, this suspension does not cancel the concession and mandate granted [to] the consultants responsible for collecting these levies, instead, a comprehensive review is underway to address issues and develop a forward-thinking approach. A specially constituted committee, comprising representatives from the ministry, its relevant agencies, Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), International Oil Companies (IOCs), is working to achieve this goal.

“The committee’s primary objective is to develop a workable framework for implementing compliance with landing levy payments, ensuring a win-win situation for all stakeholders.. By doing so, the industry can move forward in a spirit of collaboration and mutual understanding. It is important to note that the suspension is a temporary measure aimed at resolving the current impasse. The minister has reiterated his commitment to finding a lasting solution that benefits all parties involved. The committee’s recommendations will be crucial in shaping the future of helicopter landing levies collection and ensuring a sustainable and thriving aviation industry.

“Accurate reporting is central to the progress of the project. By doing so, we can foster a more informed and supportive environment for the aviation industry to thrive. Let’s embrace this opportunity for constructive dialogue and collective growth.

“We urge all stakeholders to remain calm and supportive as we work together towards a resolution. The aviation industry is a vital sector that deserves our collective effort to ensure its continued growth and success,” the document stated.