South – South Chamber hails Tinubu’s commitment to best practices in aviation sector
…Says move will boost youth empowerment, community development in Niger Delta
The coalition of South-South Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, (COSSCCIMA), has sent a letter of appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to express its gratitude for his commitment to international best practices in the aviation sector and youth empowerment by restoring the consultancy services for the collection of helicopter landing levies for air navigation services by NAEBI Dynamic Concept Limited.
In two separate letters to the President Tinubu, through the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources dated June 3, 2025, the umbrella body of South South Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture in the six states in the region lauded Tinubu for his steadfast commitment in ensuring sustainable funding of critical aviation infrastructure, youth empowerment, economic development and business stability in the Niger Delta region.
The letter was signed by COSSCCIMA President, Hon. Indutimi Komonibo, and Chairman Board of Trustees, Dr. Billy S. Gillis-Harry.
They said the recent decision by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, to restore consultancy services for revenue collection of helicopter landing charges by NAEBI Dynamic Concept Limited, following its temporary suspension due to concerns raised by the Airline Operators of Nigeria, demonstrates Mr. President’s commitment in addressing the needs of local communities and businesses while strengthening the regulatory framework by government institutions.
Such action by Mr. President, they said acknowledges the significance of consultancy services and aligns with International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, regulations and remains a standard practice across the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Asia.
They said the consultancy plays a vital role in creating employment opportunities for local youths across over 1,000 oil and gas platforms in the region.
Besides, the consultancy, they highlighted will mitigate youth restiveness foster sustainable community development, enhance security and stability within the region.
They said it will also increase revenue generation for sustainable funding of critical aviation infrastructure in addition to improving air traffic management and regulatory oversight to ensure greater efficiency within the aviation sector.
A portion of the letter reads: ” By this commendable gesture, business leaders and youths of the Niger Delta proudly stand in support of the government and wholeheartedly endorse the vision and aspirations of Mr. President.
“We urge the Federal Government not to be swayed by detractors and groups operating outside the legal frameworks, who neither own businesses nor contribute to employment in our region, yet seek to obstruct progress and promote instability.
“As the umbrella body representing the entire executives and genuine business leaders from the six States: Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers, Edo, where oil companies operate, the South South Chambers of Commerce wholeheartedly endorses this initiative for the benefits of the Nigerian Aviation sector, the South South region, its youth, security and the nation at large.
“We are uniquely positioned to provide an informed, fair and accurate account of business activities within our domain, unlike individuals or groups outside the Niger Delta who are neither registered not known in law yet operate as extensions of associations solely to collect membership dues, brand themselves as experts primarily to encourage foreign entities to disregard Federal Government directives and national laws.
” Honourable Minister, Sir, you may wish to note that many oil companies, through their activities, have yet to comply with the prescribed landing fee obligations. This non- compliance presents significant challenges in the successful implementation of this policy and the realization of its intended benefits.
” We remain steadfast in our commitment to collaborating with the government to drive economic growth, strengthen regulatory efficiency and foster lasting peace in the Niger Delta.
“In this regard, we respectfully seek your esteemed office’s intervention to ensure industry wide compliance with the prescribed obligation under Nigerian law.
“Thank you, Honourable Minister, for your unwavering leadership and dedication to advancing Nigeria’s petroleum sector and fostering sustainable economic prosperity.”
