NUPRC Retains $300 Helicopter Levy Per Landing for Oil, Gas Operators
The commission disclosed this in a circular dated August 28, 2026, signed by its Commission Chief Executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, and addressed to all upstream petroleum operators, licensees, lessees and their helicopter service providers.
The NUPRC said the decision followed concerns raised by the commission on behalf of upstream stakeholders over the introduction, structure and operationalisation of the Helicopter Levy for Air Navigational Services.
According to the circular, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, on March 9, 2026, constituted a Ministerial Review Committee to review the levy. The committee included representatives of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, NUPRC, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency and NAMA’s appointed collection consultant.
Following its review, the committee concluded that the $300 levy per landing would be retained and remain payable to NAMA through its approved collection mechanism.
However, the NUPRC clarified that the Terminal Navigational Charge would only apply to landings at government-owned aerodromes and would not apply to landings at private offshore facilities or platforms.
It added that the TNC would remain applicable to helicopter operations not undertaken in support of upstream petroleum activities, including medical evacuation, private charter and agricultural operations.
The commission further stated that the $300 levy would be treated as a statutory air navigation charge for cost-reporting purposes.
It said it would communicate the applicable classification and reporting requirements, including the treatment of any cost element previously recorded in respect of the TNC for upstream helicopter services, through relevant instruments.
The NUPRC also disclosed that NAMA would deploy low-altitude flight monitoring and surveillance systems to strengthen national security and airspace governance.
It said flight manifests, movement logs and offshore activity data would be required for the monitoring system, adding that NAMA would communicate the specific requirements.
The commission further warned that no new or revised fee, levy or charge with a direct impact on upstream petroleum operations should be introduced without prior consultation with it and other relevant stakeholders.
According to the NUPRC, such consultation is required in accordance with Section 25 of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.
The commission directed upstream operators, licensees, lessees and helicopter service providers to take note of the decisions and align their contractual, invoicing and cost-recovery arrangements accordingly.
