The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has declared it will commence the dismantlement of 8,805 masts owned by telecom operators and financial institutions including banks.
In April, the NCAA issued a 30-day ultimatum to telecommunication service providers and other mast owners to standardize the status of their infrastructures or have them demolished. The ultimatum has generated an unsettled controversy.
However, not discouraged by the controversy, the NCAA has resolved to go ahead with its plan. The regulatory body’s spokesman, Mr. Sam Adurogboye said offenders include: include Globacom Nigeria with 7,012 masts; United Bank of Africa, 439 masts; Guaranty Trust Bank, Access Bank, 303 masts; 295 masts; Unity Bank, 217 masts; and Sterling Bank with 159 masts. Union Bank has 92 masts on the list; First City Monument Bank, 205 masts; and Fidelity Bank, 83 masts. The masts exist within airport-axis across the country.
Adurogboye also said that the corporate bodies have all turned deaf ears to NCAA’s regulatory requirements on clearance to erect any high structure within the navigable airspace.
However, the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the umbrella body for telcos has issued a note of warning as it regards the NCAA’s plans. ALTON had warned that the move might cause network blackouts. The body also said national security is particularly at risk and claimed it has put the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on notice.
ALTON’s Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo who issued the warning and counseled against the NCAA’s plan in Lagos said, “We will go to court. We will seek compensation for damages in court.”
He also disclosed that ALTON had been discussing with the NCAA to resolve the issue amicably.
While responding to NCAA’s ultimatum issued in April, ALTON had issued a statement accusing the regulatory authority of being motivated by greed and unwholesome desire for revenue generation above national security.
However, Adurogboye had quickly countered ALTON’s position as false and stated that the NCAA action is based on the need to have all operators adhere to safety regulations. He said the affected companies were issued reminders to obtain Aviation Height Clearance (AHC) for their masts.
“The regulatory authority requires an AHC approval for every tower installation in the country irrespective of the height and location,” said Adurogboye, adding:
Our action “is derived from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (NigCARS) Part 12.1.7.1.3.1 which stipulates that No person or organization shall put up a structure (permanent or temporary) within the navigable airspace of Nigeria unless such a person or organization is a holder of AHC Certificate granted under this regulation.”
