$300 helicopter levy for air navigational services payable, TNC not applicable to offshore operations: NUPRC

Ms Eyesan said the TNC did not apply to helicopter landings at private offshore facilities and platforms when such operations support upstream petroleum activities.

News Agency of Nigeria • September 1, 2026

Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) says the $300 helicopter levy for air navigational services remains payable, while the terminal navigational charge does not apply to offshore petroleum operations.

The NUPRC said the levy remained payable to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency. The clarification was contained in a circular signed by NUPRC chief executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, following concerns raised by stakeholders in the upstream petroleum sector.

The concerns centred on the introduction, structure, and operationalisation of the $300 helicopter levy and other aviation-related charges affecting petroleum operations.

Following the concerns, aviation minister Festus Keyamo constituted a ministerial review committee on March 9.

Ms Eyesan said the review established that the TNC did not apply to helicopter landings at private offshore facilities and platforms when such operations support upstream petroleum activities.

The NUPRC chief said the TNC remained applicable to helicopter operations not undertaken in support of upstream petroleum activities. She listed such operations to include medical evacuation, private charter services and agricultural activities.

(NAN)

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