Group demands removal of mast near Osun school

A non-governmental organisation, One House Development Initiative, has called for the immediate removal of a telecommunications mast erected near Good Tidings School in the Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun State.

The NGO, in a report made available to Saturday PUNCH on Thursday, alleged violations of environmental regulations and potential safety risks to about 800 pupils and more than 90 staff members.

The organisation said the mast, reportedly installed by Pan African Towers, remained in place nine months after the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency directed the company to decommission it or meet stipulated regulatory requirements.

In a statement, OHI said its investigation followed concerns raised by parents over the structure’s proximity to the school and potential implications for the safety of pupils, staff and neighbourhood residents.

OHI said its team visited the school and surrounding environment, where it found that the mast failed to comply with regulations governing the installation of telecommunications infrastructure near schools, residential buildings and water sources.

“The location of the mast raises serious safety concerns, particularly during heavy rainfall and windstorms, when a possible structural failure could endanger pupils, staff and other occupants of the school,” the organisation said.

It also raised concerns about possible noise and air pollution from the machinery powering the facility, warning that the effects could threaten the health and well-being of pupils, staff and residents.

OHI said the school management had held meetings to find a lasting solution to the matter and formally notified the Local Inspector of Education in the Egbedore Local Government Area, who subsequently visited the site and observed the irregularities.

The organisation further disclosed that NESREA had written to Pan African Towers over the installation, directing the company to take corrective action.

A letter dated January 28, 2026, with reference number NESREA/IEE/4527/T/11, addressed to the managing director of Pan African Towers and sighted by Saturday PUNCH, stated that the company had failed to present an Environmental Impact Assessment Certificate or Environmental Impact Statement for the facility because it did not meet applicable guidelines.

NESREA directed the company to decommission the mast immediately or acquire adjoining land to satisfy the minimum 10-metre setback requirement stipulated by regulations.

The agency also required the company to provide relevant environmental documentation within 14 days of receiving the letter. However, OHI said the mast was still standing as of October 29, 2026, approximately nine months after the agency’s directive.

The organisation argued that acquiring adjoining land was not a feasible alternative because school buildings and residential structures occupied neighbouring properties to the east, west and south, while a government road bordered the property to the north.

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It therefore rejected any proposal to retain the mast at the present location, insisting that its complete removal was the only acceptable solution.

“There is no practical space to achieve the required setback by acquiring adjoining land, given the existing school buildings, residential structures and the government road surrounding the property,” the organisation said.

OHI added, “We are willing to pursue an amicable resolution, but we cannot support any arrangement that allows the mast to remain at the disputed location. The immediate removal of the structure is necessary to address the concerns of the school community and residents.”

OHI cited the National Environmental (Standards for Telecommunications and Broadcast Facilities) Regulations, 2011, published in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No. 38, Volume 98, Government Notice No. 124.

The regulations stipulate that new telecommunications facilities must be located primarily in industrial, commercial and business areas and maintain a minimum setback of 10 metres between the base of a mast and the perimeter fence of schools, hospitals and residential or business premises.

Where such premises have no perimeter fence, the regulations prescribe a minimum distance of 12 metres between the building wall and the base of the mast.

The rules also prescribe a minimum setback of 15 metres between fossil-fuel-powered generators and existing surface water bodies or domestic water sources.

The regulations are designed to protect public health and safety, prevent environmental nuisance and minimise losses arising from telecommunications and broadcasting operations, while providing for enforcement measures and sanctions against violators.

OHI maintained that the continued presence of the mast, despite the reported directive from NESREA, warranted urgent intervention by relevant authorities.

“The continued presence of the mast months after NESREA issued its directive raises questions about compliance and enforcement. We urge the relevant authorities to ensure that the regulatory requirements are implemented to protect the school community and neighbouring residents,” the organisation said.

It called on NESREA and other relevant authorities to ensure compliance with the agency’s directive and secure the immediate removal of the structure in the interest of the school community and area residents.

Efforts by Saturday PUNCH to obtain a response from Pan African Towers on the issue proved abortive, as calls and text messages sent to the company were not answered as of press time.