The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has retained the $300-per-landing Helicopter Levy for Air Navigational Services imposed on upstream operators, but ruled that the separate Terminal Navigational Charge does not apply to helicopter landings at private offshore facilities and oil platforms.
The decision ends months of uncertainty among operators and helicopter service providers over the application of the aviation charges to offshore petroleum operations, with the regulator directing oil companies and their aviation contractors to align their contracts, invoices and cost-recovery arrangements with the new clarification.
The NUPRC announced the position in a circular dated August 28, 2026, obtained by our correspondent on Monday. It was signed by the Commission Chief Executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, and addressed to all upstream petroleum operators, licensees, lessees and helicopter service providers.
The circular followed concerns raised by the commission on behalf of upstream stakeholders regarding the introduction, structure and implementation of the helicopter levy.
Following the concerns, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, constituted a Ministerial Review Committee on March 9, 2026, to examine the disputed charges.
