NCAA, Operators Hold Talk Over Planned Telecoms Masts Demolition
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and telecommunications operators have concluded plans to hold a meeting over the planned demolition of masts in different locations within the country by the aviation agency.
The General Manager, Public Relations of the NCAA, Mr Sam Adurogboye, told our correspondent on Thursday that the meeting scheduled for Friday (today) would enable the stakeholders to review the issue and come up with solutions.
The NCAA had on Tuesday said it would demolish a total of 8,805 masts belonging to some banks and financial institutions as well as telecoms operators who had discountenanced its regulatory requirements on the clearance to erect any high structure within navigable airspace in the country.
The threat came after a 30-day ultimatum handed down from the NCAA for compliance.
The aviation regulatory agency said it had been left with no choice as the 30-day ultimatum given to the telecommunications service providers had expired without compliance from some of the affected organisations to obtain Aviation Height Clearance.
The agency said it required an Aviation Height Clearance approval for every tower installation in the country irrespective of the height and location as 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 Aviation Height Clearance Certificate granted under this regulation.”
According to the NCAA, among the operators who had not regularised their masts were Globacom Nigeria with 7,012 masts; United Bank of Africa, 439 masts; Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, 295 masts; Unity Bank, 217 masts; 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.
Adurogboye, however, stated that following the demolition threat, the agency had been getting responses.
“Some have responded and some have taken solid steps to do the right thing. We are meeting with them to review the whole process,” he said.
He said the agency was equally meeting with those who would help with the demolition of the masts if there was a need for such action.
