IT NEWS NIGERIA:
*Unintended Consequences to the Economy, Public outcry, Compliance influenced decision…..
Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said it suspended plans to demolish over 7,000 telecoms masts across the country following massive public outcry and intensive moves by associations and major stakeholders in the telecoms industry and possible severe consequences to the economy.
NCAA’s General Manager, Public Relations, Mr. Sam Adurogboye said the agency decided to withdraw the threat following the compliance of the affected companies with its directive to obtain the statutory Aviation Height Clearance (AHC).
Mr. Adurogboye said “as you will recall, we sent out letters to them and the action has triggered them to a positive action that we want. It has prompted them to come around to discuss how to pay the outstanding money.
“We won’t get to the stage of dismantling since they have come and we are talking. The NCAA has opened a line of communication with Global Communications Limited and others. Hopefully, there will be no need to enforce the ultimatum.”
Recall on April 24, IT NEWS NIGERIA reported that NCAA announced that it is set to enforce Aviation Height Clearance (AHC) on over 7000 telecom masts that constitute danger to aviation navigation and has issued a 30-day ultimatum to telecom providers in Nigeria.
A statement signed Tuesday by the General Manager, Public Relations, Sam Adurogboye said that if there is no response, NCAA will immediately embark on mass decommissioning and demolition of all their masts and towers in Nigeria.
Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, he added, will continue to provide a level playing field for aviation and related services to thrive in Nigeria, and 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.
