The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has dismantled a Glo telecommunications mast in Abuja over an outstanding N4.7 billion debt. This decisive action was taken to enforce the Aviation Height Clearance regulation and ensure aviation safety across Nigerian airspace.
Speaking at the scene, NCAA Director-General Captain Musa Nuhu stressed the AHC regulation’s role in preventing threats from improperly cleared masts. He explained, “Our responsibility is to regulate mast heights and ensure they pose no threat to low-flying aircraft.” Additionally, NCAA requires all telecommunications masts to comply with mapped height specifications and pay clearance fees to fund the regulatory process. N5.9bn AHC debt: NCAA threaten Glo, other telcos of nationwide mast dismantling
While most telecommunications providers have complied, Glo still defaults, paying only N500 million of the N5.2 billion owed. This non-compliance prompted NCAA to escalate its enforcement measures. Captain Nuhu disclosed, “We reviewed Glo’s bill to be fair, sought a payment plan, but they walked away. This has been ongoing since 2007.”
The Director-General, joined by Aviation Minister Senator Hadi Sirika, described the shutdown as essential to addressing NCAA’s financial challenges.
Moreover, Nuhu explained that the agency faces intense scrutiny from the Federal Ministry of Aviation, Fiscal Responsibility Commission, and the National Assembly.
“We carry this debt on our accounts yearly, and we’re under tremendous pressure to resolve it. This action aims to secure payment and a concrete plan for the balance,” Nuhu stated.
This development sends a clear message to telecommunications providers about the criticality of adhering to aviation height clearance regulations. While stakeholders await Glo’s response, the NCAA reaffirms its commitment to aviation safety and regulatory compliance across Nigeria’s airspace.
The NCAA ensures that all measures are in place to keep Nigeria’s airspace secure for all aviation users and operations.
