Nigerian Airspace Management Agency Issues Warning to Oil and Gas Firms
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has taken a firm stance against oil and gas companies operating within the country for their ongoing failure to pay the $300 helicopter landing fees. The agency has threatened to implement sanctions, which could include the denial of flight clearances and the potential closure of facilities that do not comply with the regulations.
Importance of Compliance with NAMA Act
NAMA has reiterated the necessity for full compliance with the NAMA Act, particularly concerning the timely payment of helicopter landing levies. These fees are designed to cover the air navigation services that the agency provides within Nigerian airspace, which includes operations at oil fields, terminals, helipads, and other facilities associated with the oil and gas sector.
Since 2022, NAMA has been actively engaging with oil and gas operators in collaboration with Naebi Dynamic Concepts Limited to ensure adherence to the statutory provisions of the NAMA Act. Despite numerous written communications aimed at encouraging compliance, the agency has reported low levels of adherence. This non-compliance has been attributed to the influence of certain individuals who have allegedly discouraged operators from following established regulatory standards.
Global Standards and Regulatory Enforcement
NAMA highlighted that the enforcement of helicopter landing levies aligns with international aviation standards, similar to practices observed in various member states of the International Civil Aviation Organization across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The agency emphasized that these levies are crucial for the maintenance, upgrade, and modernization of air navigation infrastructure, which is vital for the safe management of Nigeria’s increasingly busy airspace.
The agency pointed out its exclusive authority to manage all air navigation services and air traffic control across the country, as stipulated in Sections 8 and 9 of the NAMA Act. It is illegal for any other entity to provide these services without the agency’s involvement.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
NAMA has outlined potential penalties for operators that fail to comply with the payment requirements. These include withholding flight clearances until outstanding fees are settled or acceptable security for payment is provided. In more severe cases, particularly for unauthorized helipads or platforms lacking NAMA clearance, the agency may seek ministerial approval to shut down or relocate these facilities.
Affected oil companies have been given a seven-day ultimatum to submit their payment plans to Naebi Dynamic Concepts Ltd. The agency has urged these companies to formally communicate their proposed payment strategies within this timeframe to avoid enforcement actions, which could impact their operations significantly.
Implications for the Oil Sector
The enforcement notice comes amid ongoing tensions regarding the helicopter landing levy, which has been a contentious issue within the oil and aviation sectors. Initially introduced in 2024, the $300-per-landing charge faced backlash from helicopter operators, particularly those servicing the oil and gas industry. Following industry protests, the levy was temporarily suspended, with stakeholders arguing that it was imposed arbitrarily and without adequate consultation.
In a memo issued in May 2025, NAMA directed the resumption of helicopter landing fee collections, despite ongoing criticisms from industry groups. The agency insists that these levies are essential to cover the high costs of maintaining air navigation systems, especially in remote areas where helicopter traffic has surged.
Outlook for the Aviation Sector
With NAMA’s renewed enforcement measures, the longstanding regulatory standoff appears to be escalating. Oil operators may soon find themselves compelled to comply with the payment requirements or face the suspension of their helicopter operations. Experts suggest that failure to secure flight clearances could have detrimental effects on oil production, as workers may be unable to reach oil fields.
The situation underscores the critical intersection of regulatory compliance, aviation safety, and the operational sustainability of Nigeria’s oil industry. As NAMA continues to uphold its mandate, the coming days will be pivotal for the oil and gas sector as companies navigate these regulatory challenges.
