By ITOHAN ABARA-LASERIAN

The Chief Executive Officer of Aero Contractors, Capt. Ado Sanusi, says the $300 helicopter landing fee could rise arbitrarily if government allows it to continue.

Sanusi made this known on Sunday in Lagos, while speaking with journalists.

He was reacting to the Federal Government?s approval of a $300 landing fee charged on helicopter firms servicing oil and gas operators.

According to Sanusi, governments can levy taxes to build infrastructure and provide healthcare, education and other essential services.

He said the $300 charge was not part of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) cost-recovery fees.

He stated that such fees must reflect actual investments and offer value to the paying customers.

?If I invest in radios or navigational aids, I must explain it clearly and recover my investment over a fixed period.

?If there is any such investment, the company should disclose it ? whether in surveillance, navigation, or communication,? Sanusi said.

He said no visible investment had been made, yet a levy was imposed by a firm that is not authorised to collect taxes.

?But if you?ve invested, then show Nigerians. NAMA alone provides Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS), by law.

?So, how is this company offering any of the CNS services without legal authority?? Sanusi questioned.

He warned that allowing this charge could set a dangerous precedent, enabling arbitrary levies in future.

?Today it?s $300. Tomorrow it could be $500 or $1,000, all depending on who gets access,? he warned.

Sanusi said NAEBI Dynamic Concept Ltd. Got approval under former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika to charge the fee.

He claimed the company has provided no infrastructure and urged that the $300 charge be scrapped entirely.

He added that NAMA supported the initiative and in June directed oil and gas companies to pay, not airline operators.

Sanusi, a former NAMA Managing Director, said oil and gas firms likely refused because there?s no justifiable basis for the charge.

?First, they told helicopter companies to pay. They refused. Now, why are we still insisting on the payment?

?Nigerians should question why every helicopter landing attracts a $300 charge. What is the justification?? he said.

He noted that helicopters already pay navigational and landing charges when using federal, state, or private airports.

Sanusi emphasised that shuttle operators are already paying TNC and other legal aviation charges to NAMA.

He said a former aviation minister had ordered the fee to be scrapped and wondered why it is being reintroduced. (NAN)

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