NUPRC Clarifies $300 Helicopter Levy, Exempts Offshore Oil Operations From TNC

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has clarified the applicability of aviation charges to helicopter operations in the upstream petroleum sector, stating that the $300 helicopter levy remains payable, while the Terminal Navigational Charge (TNC) does not apply to offshore oil and gas operations.

The commission said the $300 levy for air navigational services remains payable to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).

The clarification was contained in a circular signed by the NUPRC Chief Executive, Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, following concerns from stakeholders over the introduction, structure and implementation of the helicopter levy and other aviation-related charges affecting petroleum operations.

The concerns prompted the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to constitute a Ministerial Review Committee on March 9 to examine the charges.

According to Eyesan, the review established that the TNC does not apply to helicopter landings at private offshore facilities and platforms where the operations are in support of upstream petroleum activities.

She, however, noted that the TNC remains applicable to helicopter operations that are not connected to upstream petroleum activities.

Such operations, she explained, include medical evacuation, private charter services and agricultural activities.

The NUPRC said the clarification was intended to provide greater certainty for upstream operators regarding applicable aviation charges and to clearly distinguish petroleum-support helicopter operations from other commercial and private helicopter activities.