By 
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced plans this week to begin immediate demolition of 8,805 masts owned by telecom operators and financial institutions including banks.
The (NCAA) had in April 23 issued a 30-day ultimatum to telecommunication service providers and other mast owners to regularize status of their infrastructures or have them pulled down. The ultimatum has stirred an unresolved controversy.
But undeterred, the NCAA is set to make true its threat. Its 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 said the corporate entities have all ignored NCAA’s regulatory requirements on clearance to erect any high structure within the navigable airspace.
But the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), umbrella body for telcos have warned of dire consequences including network blackouts. ALTON 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, in Lagos warned NCAA against carrying out the threat. “We will go to court,” said Adebayo. “We will seek compensation for damages in court,” he added even as he mentioned that ALTON had been discussing with the NCAA to resolve the issue amicably.
In April following the NCAA’s ultimatum, ALTON had issued a statement accusing the regulatory authority of being driven by greed and unwholesome desire for revenue generation above national security.
But Adurogboye dismissed ALTON’s position as false and stated that the NCAA action is based on need to have all operators adhere 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 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 AHC Certificate granted under this regulation.”
