Telecommunication Operators, providers and banks may head for a showdown with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) as the authority has concluded plans to commence the demolition of their masts alleged to be an impediment to flight safety in different parts of the country.
The demolition is to commence immediately after the expiration of the 30 day ultimatum issued by the authority.
This action no doubt may also led to chaos as bank customers may find it difficult to withdraw or send money, also business activities maybe crippled in the country as the sectors of the economy depend on the telecoms providers for seamless business activities.
Number one culprit on the list of the NCAA is Globacom Nigeria Limited who the NCAA says seem not to be unconcerned about the ultimatum issued for the removal of their masts without seeking clearance from the Authority.
Apart from Globacom whose 7,012 masts will be affected, others who have failed to regularised their masts are United Bank of Africa 439 masts, Guaranty Trust Bank 295 masts, Unity Bank 217 masts and Sterling Bank 159 masts.
Others are Union Bank 92 masts, First City Monument Bank 205 masts, Fidelity Bank 83 masts and Access Bank 303 masts.
While some of the providers and operators have since commenced regularisation of their masts, others have failed to do same.
According to the General Manager, Public Affairs, NCAA, Mr. Sam Adurogboye in a statement,”a total of 8,805 masts belonging to the aforementioned organisations will be decommissioned forthwith”.
“This demolition exercise will similarly affect some banks and financial institutions who have discountenanced the Authority’s regulatory requirements on the clearance to erect any high structure within the navigable airspace in Nigeria”.
He noted that, the Regulatory Authority is left with no choice as the 30 – day ultimatum given to those telecommunication service providers has expired. Prior to the expiration of the ultimatum, letters of reminder were written to all affected organisations to obtain Aviation Height Clearance (AHC) for their masts.
He emphasized that the NCAA will continue to apply requisite sanctions for violation of extant regulations especially, where the resolve of the Authority is tested.
“It will be recalled that, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had earlier warned all Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) providers and telecomm operators against violation of safety regulations. A 30-day ultimatum was therefore handed down for compliance”.
The NCAA spokesman explained that their actions is in line with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (NigCARS) Part 12.1.7.1.3.1 which stipulates that No person or organisation shall put up a structure (permanent or temporary) within the navigable airspace of Nigeria unless such a person or organisation is a holder of Aviation Height Clearance Certificate granted under this regulation.
“The Regulatory Authority requires an Aviation Height Clearance (AHC) approval for every tower installation in the country irrespective of the height and location”.
It should therefore 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.
