NUPRC clarifies $300 helicopter levy, exempts offshore oil operations from TNC

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) says the 300 dollars Helicopter Levy for Air Navigational Services remains payable, while Terminal Navigational Charge (TNC) does not apply to offshore petroleum operations.

The commission said the levy remained payable to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).

The clarification was contained in a circular signed by NUPRC Chief Executive, Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, following concerns raised by stakeholders in the upstream petroleum sector.

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

Following the concerns, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, constituted a Ministerial Review Committee on March 9.

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.

She said that TNC remained applicable to helicopter operations that were not undertaken in support of upstream petroleum activities.

She listed such operations to include medical evacuation, private charter services and agricultural activities.

The clarification is expected to provide greater certainty to upstream operators on applicable aviation charges and distinguish petroleum-support helicopter operations from other commercial and private helicopter activities.