NCAA to clamp down on illegal structures on flight paths

From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), said plans have been  concluded to clamp down on all unauthorised high rise structures erected  on flight paths.

 The structures are telecommunications masts, towers and high rise buildings built without obtaining aviation height clearance.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulation (NCAR), states in Part 12 of its Aerodrome Regulations (Obstacle Limitation) sub-section 5, that any person who proposes any of the following construction or alteration shall notify the authority.

They include any high-rise construction or alteration above the ground level at its site, construction or alteration which extends above an obstacle limitation surface prescribed in the aerodrome standards manual and associate guidance material among others.

General Manager, Public Relations of NCAA, Mr. Fan Ndubuoke, told reporters that the Authority was embarking on this exercise to ensure the safety of all aircraft on approach to land at various airports in Nigeria.

He said some of these structures have been found to constitute major obstacles to approach and descent to the airports by airliners.

To prevent any untoward consequences, the regulatory authority has appointed Messrs Noon Mast Ventures Nig.Ltd to commence a nationwide identification of such erections and pull down all illegal structures within the airport environment and along the flight paths.

 According to NCAA’s regulation, those who are compelled by whatever reason to erect a mast or high rise structure within the airport environment and along  flight paths are required to contact NCAA to obtain the appropriate Aviation Height Clearance.

 Once this request is made the department in charge will proceed for inspection and give approval for an allowable safety height or advised to relocate the structure entirely where applicable.

 The firm has therefore been mandated to embark on country wide surveillance, demand for NCAA Certificate of clearance as a condition for verification from owners of existing structures and where this is non-existent they will be pulled down instantly.

 Ndubuoke said “While owners are advised to cooperate with them, it is important to note that all violators will bear the cost of pulling down the structure if the need arises.

 His words “This action is to further strengthen our regulatory resolve to ensure safety and security of air transport in Nigeria. It is pertinent to point out that violations will be viewed seriously by the Authority”.