The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has issued a clarification to upstream petroleum operators, licensees and lessees on the application of the US$300 Helicopter Levy for Air Navigational Services.
In a circular signed by the Commission Chief Executive, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, the NUPRC confirmed that the US$300 Helicopter Levy remained payable to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
However, the Commission clarified that the Terminal Navigational Charge (TNC) does not apply to helicopter landings at private offshore facilities and petroleum platforms when such operations are undertaken in support of upstream petroleum activities.
The clarification followed concerns raised by the NUPRC on behalf of stakeholders in the upstream petroleum sector regarding the introduction, structure and operationalisation of the helicopter levy.
The concerns led the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), to constitute a Ministerial Review Committee on March 9, 2026, to examine the levy and related charges.
Following the review, the Commission stated that while the $300 Helicopter Levy remained applicable to relevant upstream helicopter operations, the TNC would not be charged on helicopter landings at private offshore facilities and platforms supporting upstream petroleum operations.
According to the NUPRC, the TNC remains applicable to helicopter operations that are not undertaken in support of upstream petroleum activities.
Such operations include medical evacuation, private charter services and agricultural activities.
The latest clarification is expected to provide greater certainty for operators and stakeholders in the upstream petroleum sector while distinguishing charges applicable to petroleum-related helicopter operations from those serving other aviation activities.
The Commission urged affected operators and stakeholders to take note of the clarification and ensure compliance with the applicable regulatory requirements.
The full circular is available on the NUPRC website for further details.
