NCAA to sanction GSM operators over debt
...ALTON seeks review, one-off clearance
THE Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), yesterday warned all telecoms operators and owners of high-rise structure around airports to remit their outstanding debts to the body or face sanctions. The Director-general of NCAA, Capt. Muhtar Usman, gave the order during a meeting with the Association of Licensed Telecommunications operators of Nigeria (ALTON).
The Guardian learnt that the debt, accumulated from unpaid operating charges, runs into several millions of naira.
Under the Nigerian Civil Aviation A uthority (Establishment) Act, Section 7(1) (n), 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.
Therefore, pursuant to the above provision, the Regulatory Authority requires an Aviation Height Clearance (AHC) approval for ever y highrise structure, mast, tower installation, irrespective of the height and location.
According to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NIG.CARS) Part 12.1.7.1.11.the AHC shall remain in force for a period of one year, when it shall be due for renewal unless suspended or cancelled by the Authority.
Similarly, the holder of an AHC certificate shall ensure proper records of AHC granted to it and the renewal of the AHC at least 30 days to the expiry date. However, ALTON requested for a meeting with Usman to resolve certain perceived grey areas. Inclusive in these grey areas are that AHC should be a one-off exercise, no renewals and structures for AHC should be selective – not all, particular- ly if it’s not deemed to endanger air navigation.
Responding, Usman frowned at the illegality of ALTON directive to its members to cease payments until when all related matters have been resolved.
The DG espoused all relevant statutes that bequeathed NCAA the authority to render such services, and recover costs associated.
He said NCAA is a law abiding organisation and has been reluctant to review the fees for so many years even when the reality at inception of the charges have considerably changed.