By Seun Ibiyemi
The Chief Executive Officer of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, has criticised the Federal Government’s approval of a $300 helicopter landing fee, warning that it could open the door to arbitrary charges across the aviation sector.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday in Lagos, Sanusi described the charge as unjustified and cautioned that if allowed to stand, it could increase without oversight, rising to $500 or even $1,000 depending on who controls its administration.
The fee, introduced for helicopter operators servicing oil and gas companies, has stirred controversy, with Sanusi insisting it lacks legal and infrastructural backing.
“Governments are within their rights to impose levies for infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other public services,” Sanusi said.
“However, this $300 charge does not fall within the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) framework for cost-recovery. Fees must correspond to tangible investments that benefit the users.”
He challenged the private firm behind the charge, NAEBI Dynamic Concept Ltd., to disclose any investments in aviation infrastructure such as navigation, surveillance, or communication systems.
“If there’s been any investment, show Nigerians. Explain where the value lies. Under Nigerian law, only the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) is authorised to provide and collect charges for Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance services,” he said.
Sanusi alleged that NAEBI Dynamic Concept received approval during the tenure of former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika and is now attempting to enforce a fee without regulatory authority or infrastructure provision.
“No visible infrastructure has been put in place. Yet, a firm without the legal mandate is imposing this levy. This sets a worrying precedent,” he warned.
The Aero Contractors boss further revealed that NAMA, in June, directed oil and gas companies, not helicopter operators, to make the payments. He said this confusion underscores the lack of legitimacy and clarity surrounding the policy.
“Initially, they instructed helicopter operators to pay. When they refused, they turned to oil and gas firms. Even they declined, clearly recognising that there is no value to justify the fee,” Sanusi stated.
He pointed out that helicopters already pay for navigation and landing at federal, state, and private airports, in addition to legal fees such as the Terminal Navigation Charges (TNC) to NAMA.
“Aviation charges must be rooted in legal frameworks and backed by visible services. This $300 fee does not meet that standard,” he argued.
Sanusi also recalled that a previous Minister of Aviation had ordered the cancellation of the fee and questioned why it is now being reintroduced.
“This is a matter of public interest. Nigerians deserve transparency and fairness. We must not allow the aviation space to be commercialised without justification,” he concluded.