The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has issued an update to upstream petroleum operators, licensees and lessees clarifying 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 $300 helicopter levy remains payable to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), while the Terminal Navigational Charge (TNC) does not apply to helicopter landings at private offshore facilities and platforms.
The review follows concerns raised by the Commission on behalf of upstream stakeholders over the introduction, structure and operationalisation of the levy, which prompted the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), to constitute a Ministerial Review Committee on 9 March 2026.
Based on the review, the Terminal Navigational Charge (TNC) remains applicable to helicopter operations that are not undertaken in support of upstream petroleum operations, including medical evacuation, private charter and agricultural operations.
