NCAA moves against illegal high rise building on flight path

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) may soon begin to clamp down on high rise building  across the country as part of the drive for safer skies.

The NCAA has appointed Zilcotech International limited as a consultant for the monitoring of illegal erection of high structures nationwide.

This is in line with section 35(h) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022; and Parts 12.1.7.1.3.1, 12.1.7.1.2 (2) and 12.1.7.1.6 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, (Nig.CARs) 2015.

Daily Trust reports that the NCAA’s action is in line with 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.’

In line with this, the Regulatory Authority requires an Aviation Height Clearance (AHC) approval for every tower installation in the country irrespective of the height and location.

It would be recalled that the regulatory authority was at a collision course with the telecoms operators with over 8,000 masts initially marked for demolition.

As part of implementing the regulations of height, the authority explained that the engagement of Zilcotech followed Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval dated 17th November, 2022 and the agreement signed on 22nd of December, 2021 between the Authority and the firm.

General Manager, Public Relations of NCAA, Sam Adurogboye in a statement yesterday said a letter of introduction has been sent out to all the concerned operators and stakeholders in the industry.

The statement said, “We are confident that this collaboration will be beneficial to all stakeholders and the public at large as it concerns the enhancement of safety within the navigable airspace of Nigeria,” NCAA letter to the industry read in part.

“It is expected that concerned stakeholders would cooperate with the consultant in the interest of safer skies and all payments accruing to the Authority on account of the attendant services are to be made directly to NCAA and not to the Consultant.”