The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) disclosed that it will soon commence the demolition of telecommunication masts in different locations within the country. NCAA hinted that the demolition exercise would similarly affect some Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and other financial institutions that had discountenanced its regulatory requirements on the clearance to erect any high structure within navigable airspace in Nigeria.
It can be recalled that NCAA had in April 2019 warned all Global System for Mobile (GSM) Communications providers and telecom operators across the country against violation of safety regulations by issuing a 30-day ultimatum.
According to the regulatory agency’s General Manager, Public Relations, Mr Sam Adurogboye, NCAA had been left with no option than to issue the 30-day ultimatum to the telecommunication service providers and act swiftly since the ultimatum had expired in June 2019.
He emphasized that prior to the expiration of the ultimatum, letters of reminder were written and send to all affected organizations to obtain Aviation Height Clearance (AHC).
Most importantly, NCAA requires an AHC approval for every tower installation in the country irrespective of the height and location. Adurogboye stated that while some of the providers and operators had since commenced regularization of their masts, others had failed to do the same.
The Agency's decision drive its impetus 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.
Additionally, it should be noted that under the Civil Aviation Act. 2006, section 30(3) (1), the NCAA is empowered to prohibit and regulate the installation of any structure which by virtue of its height or position is considered to endanger the safety of air navigation.
The General Manager, Public relation of the Agency went further to list the telecommunication operators and DMBs affected to include: Globacom Nigeria with 7,012 masts; United Bank of Africa, 439 masts; Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, 295 masts; Unity Bank, 217 masts; and Sterling Bank, 159 masts;Union Bank with 92 masts; First City Monument Bank, 205 masts; Fidelity Bank, 83 masts; and Access Bank with 303 masts.
In all, the affected masts of both telecommunication companies and DMBs, a total of 8,805 masts belonging to the aforementioned organizations will be decommissioned forthwith.
