Petroleum workers demand withdrawal of new landing charges on helicopter operators

By Innocent Raphael

The Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG) Workers and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), have called for the immediate withdrawal of recently imposed landing charges on helicopter operators.

NUPENG’s General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, and PENGASSAN’s General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, in a joint statement, strongly criticized the Federal Ministry of Aviation for imposing what they described as ‘exorbitant fees’ on helicopter operators.

The new charges include a four percent levy on the gross revenue of helicopter operators, along with additional taxes, which the unions argue threaten the viability of the helicopter transport sector—a critical component of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

“These new charges, which include a four percent charge on the gross revenue of helicopter operators, as well as additional levies and taxes, pose a grave threat to the sustainability and viability of the helicopter transport sector that is critical to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” the statement said.

The unions highlighted a recent memo mandating helicopter operators to pay landing fees at all Nigerian aerodromes, helipads, airstrips, floating production storage, and offloading units, floating storage, and offloading units, and other oil platforms, as a measure to generate more revenue for the Federal Government.

Labeling the move as insensitive, the petroleum workers emphasized the detrimental impact on an industry already facing economic challenges.

They also pointed out that this policy comes at a time when the government is seeking to attract investors to the oil and gas sector by offering various incentives.

NUPENG and PENGASSAN further urged the federal government to reconsider these charges, citing the potential negative effects on business sustainability and the broader economic implications for the nation.