South-South Chamber Applauds Tinubu’s Commitment to Aviation Best Practices, Youth Empowerment in Niger Delta
The Coalition of South-South Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (COSSCCIMA) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to international best practices in Nigeria’s aviation sector, describing his recent actions as a bold step towards sustainable development, youth empowerment, and regional stability in the Niger Delta.
In a letter of appreciation dated 3 June 2025 and addressed to the President through the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN, and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, COSSCCIMA expressed gratitude for the restoration of consultancy services for the collection of helicopter landing levies for air navigation services by NAEBI Dynamic Concept Limited.
The letters, jointly signed by the President of COSSCCIMA, Hon Indutimi Komonibo, and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Dr Billy S. Gillis-Harry, hailed President Tinubu for his steadfast leadership in ensuring sustainable funding of critical aviation infrastructure and enhancing economic prospects for local communities.
COSSCCIMA noted that the decision to reinstate NAEBI Dynamic Concept Limited as the consultancy firm for helicopter landing charges—following its earlier suspension due to concerns raised by the Airline Operators of Nigeria—reflects the Federal Government’s responsiveness to the needs of local businesses and communities, while simultaneously aligning with global aviation standards.
“The restoration of this consultancy service not only demonstrates Mr President’s dedication to building a regulatory framework that supports growth and efficiency but also aligns with the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO),” the statement read. “Such consultancy services remain a standard practice in the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Asia.”
According to the Chamber, the NAEBI consultancy has the capacity to create job opportunities for local youths across more than 1,000 oil and gas platforms in the Niger Delta, helping to mitigate youth restiveness, enhance community development, and improve security within the region.
They further stated that the initiative would enhance revenue generation to support the sustainable funding of Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure, improve air traffic management, and strengthen regulatory oversight for greater efficiency in 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—those who neither own businesses nor contribute to employment in our region—yet seek to obstruct progress and promote instability.”
The Chamber made clear that it represents authentic business leadership across the six oil-producing states of the South-South—Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Edo—adding that it is better positioned to give informed and credible accounts of business activities in the region, as opposed to external groups “who are neither registered nor known in law.”
COSSCCIMA raised concern over the non-compliance of many oil companies with prescribed helicopter landing levy obligations, describing this as a significant obstacle to the full implementation of the policy and the attainment of its benefits.
The Chamber concluded by calling on the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development to intervene and ensure industry-wide compliance with the relevant laws, pledging its full support for government initiatives aimed at driving economic growth, regulatory effectiveness, and lasting peace in the Niger Delta.
“Thank you, Honourable Minister, for your unwavering leadership and dedication to advancing Nigeria’s petroleum sector and fostering sustainable economic prosperity,” the letter concluded.
