Nigeria's Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has given owners of telecoms towers situated illegally across the country a four-week ultimatum to dismantle such structures.

According to the agency, the towers do not conform to legal regulations and pose inherent danger to air navigation.

Supo Atobatele, general manager of public affairs at NAMA said the agency had engaged the services of two local firms, Seas Electrical and Computer Services, to dismantle the towers if the companies did not comply with NASA orders.

Atobatele cited sections of the NAMA Act, which empowered it 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” and “prevent interference with the use or effectiveness of all apparatus used in connection with air navigation.”

In accordance with the act, any person or organisation intending to erect a telecommunications tower, hoist balloons, construct hangers or other high-rise structures within the Nigerian airspace is required to obtain Aviation Height Clearance Certification from NAMA before commencement.

Violators are subject to penalties such as fines.