NCAA Enforce Aviation Height Clearance On Telecom Operator

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a thirty-day ultimatum to alleged erring telecom providers concerning their over 7,000 telecommunication masts and towers in Nigeria to regularise their operations with NCAA forthwith.

In a statement signed by the General Manager, Public Relations, Sam Adurogboye, stated that if there is no response, NCAA will immediately embark on mass decommissioning and demolition of all their masts and towers in Nigeria.

Adurogboye said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority will continue to provide a level playing field for aviation and related services to thrive in Nigeria, adding that safety and security of airline operations is critical and will not be compromised.

The NCAA said it is compelled to recourse to this line of action when the telecommunication providers have blatantly failed to obtain the statutory Aviation Height Clearance (AHC].

The regulatory authority noted in a statement that without Aviation Height Clearance, all the masts and towers constitute danger to safety of air navigation.

According to Adurogboye: “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.

“Furthermore, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) Part 12.1.7.1.3.1 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.

“Consequent upon this provision, the Regulatory Authority requires an Aviation Height Clearance (AHC) approval for every tower installation irrespective of the height and location.

“Contrary to the above Regulations, the promoters of GLO telecommunication and these other defaulters have failed to obtain the mandatory Aviation Height Clearance (AHC) from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) which is considered as a violation of safety Regulations”.

“Several letters and entreaties sent to Globacom Limited and these other GSM providers from the Authority were not responded to despite that they were duly received by the relevant executives and duly acknowledged.

“In addition, Letters of Investigation (LOI) were written and delivered to them with no response recorded till date”.