By Eberechi Obinagwam
Petroleum workers under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (NUPENGASSAN) has condemned the decision of the Federal Ministry of Aviation to impose exorbitant fees on helicopter operators, especially those servicing the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.
In a release, the Union said these new charges, which include a 4% 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, especially in this period of economic hardship on businesses and citizenry.
NUPENGASSAN called on the federal government to withdraw the policy immediately in the overall interest of the country.
The statement titled NUPENGASSAN DEMANDS THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE RECENT LANDING CHARGES ON HELICOPTER OPERATORS, reads:
“Petroleum workers under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (NUPENGASSAN), expresses grave concern regarding the recently introduced landing fees imposed on helicopter operators, especially those servicing the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.
“We strongly condemn this decision by the Federal Ministry of Aviation to impose exorbitant fees on helicopter operators during this period of economic hardship on businesses and the citizenry.
“These new charges, which include a 4% 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.
“We recall that a recent memo directed helicopter operators to compulsorily pay for helicopter landing fees at all Nigerian aerodromes’ helipads, airstrips, floating production storage, and offloading (FPSO) units, floating storage and offloading (FSO) units, and other oil platforms to generate more revenue to the federal government. This is very insensitive at a time the federal government is shopping for investors in the oil and gas industry and muting various incentives to make the industry attractive.
“The oil and gas industry is a critical component of Nigeria’s economy, and the helicopter operators serving this sector play a vital role in its success. These operators provide essential transportation services, moving personnel and equipment to offshore platforms and remote locations, ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the industry.
“This unpopular decision has a detrimental impact on the sector, as this incremental cost is going to be passed on to the chartering companies who will in turn transfer the burden to the employees in the sector. We hereby demand the withdrawal of this policy immediately in the overall interest of the country.
“As Unions working for the growth of the Nation’s economy, we strongly urge the Ministry of Aviation to immediately withdraw the landing fees on helicopter operators servicing the oil and gas industry. This would not only provide much-needed relief to the sector but also demonstrate your commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment and supporting the growth and development of this crucial industry.
“We look forward to the Federal Government through the Ministry of Aviation prompt attention and decisive action to address this pressing issue as failure to act swiftly will certainly pose a grave danger to the industrial harmony that is currently enjoyed in this sector.”