In a bold move to enforce environmental accountability, the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) has taken legal action against MTN Nigeria Communications PLC, ATC Nigeria Wireless Infrastructure Limited, the Federal Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management, and its minister over alleged violations of environmental laws in the country’s telecommunications sector.
The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, under Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/633/2024, seeks redress for what FENRAD describes as gross environmental and social violations linked to the expansion of telecom infrastructure across Nigeria. The advocacy group accuses the ministry and its leadership of failing to enforce compliance with regulatory standards, thereby enabling corporate actors to sidestep crucial environmental obligations.
At the heart of the lawsuit, FENRAD claims that MTN Nigeria and ATC Nigeria Wireless Infrastructure Limited have been deploying telecommunications masts and infrastructure without adhering to environmental regulations. The organisation alleges that:
The companies failed to conduct proper Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) before erecting infrastructure.
Local communities were not adequately consulted or compensated, despite the potential public health and environmental hazards posed by telecom installations.
There has been a blatant disregard for Nigeria’s environmental protection laws, with regulatory bodies turning a blind eye to infractions.
FENRAD asserts that telecommunication towers and other infrastructure have been erected without proper approvals, leading to potential ecological damage, public health risks, and safety concerns for host communities.
Demanding Corporate Accountability and Justice
As part of its legal demands, FENRAD is seeking:
A judicial declaration that the defendants’ actions are unlawful due to non-compliance with environmental laws.
A court order compelling the Federal Ministry of Environment to strictly enforce regulations governing telecom infrastructure deployment.
A directive for MTN Nigeria and ATC Nigeria Wireless Infrastructure Limited to conduct comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) before embarking on any future projects.
Adequate compensation and remediation measures for communities affected by alleged environmental violations.
Speaking on the lawsuit, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director of FENRAD, emphasized the group’s commitment to environmental justice and corporate accountability.
> “FENRAD remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice. This case is not just about compliance; it is about ensuring that corporations operating in Nigeria respect environmental laws and the rights of local communities. We demand a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future for all Nigerians.”
FENRAD has urged the judiciary to ensure a fair and expedited hearing, given the far-reaching environmental and public health implications of the case. The organisation is also calling on environmental activists, civil society groups, and the general public to rally behind the cause and demand greater corporate accountability in Nigeria’s telecom sector.
As this legal battle unfolds, the outcome could set a major precedent for environmental compliance in Nigeria’s corporate landscape, potentially reshaping how telecom infrastructure projects are approved and regulated in the future.
PIONEER NEWS 