In Nigeria, is it possible for me to purchase a home or piece of land near a communications mast?

Because of zoning laws, safety requirements, and the mast’s possible effect on the land’s value, purchasing land in Nigeria next to a telecommunication mast necessitates careful thought. Before buying a home or piece of property close to a telecom mast, keep the following points in mind.

1. Land Use and Zoning Regulations
   Zoning regulations set forth by the Nigerian government allocate particular regions for particular kinds of construction. These rules may limit the construction of homes or businesses close to cell towers and other telecommunications infrastructure. A telecom tower may occasionally be located in a business or industrial area, which may restrict the usage of the nearby property.
2. Make sure the site is allocated for your planned use (residential, commercial, etc.) by consulting the town planning department or local government officials before buying land close to a telecommunication mast.
3. Safety and Health Issues
   Although there is conflicting scientific evidence, some people think that radiofrequency electromagnetic fields released by telecommunications masts could be harmful to their health. Even though the installation and operation of these masts are governed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and other pertinent agencies, some people might still be hesitant to live or work near them.
4. Research possible health hazards and how the property might impact your health, the health of your family, your workers, or, if the land is for residential use, your tenants, before making a purchase.
5. Rights of Access and Easement
   For their masts, telecommunications companies frequently get an easement or right of way. This implies that even though the area around the mast is privately held, they might have the legal right to access and maintain it. Your usage of the land may be impacted because you might have to provide the business access to the mast area in order to make repairs or improvements.
6. Make sure to find out if the land you are interested in buying has any easement rights or restrictions by contacting the appropriate authorities or the telecommunications operator.
7. Speak with the relevant authorities or the telecom provider.
   It’s a good idea to get in touch with the relevant local authorities and the telecom operator that owns the mast before making the acquisition to find out about any potential rules or restrictions pertaining to land purchases close to telecom masts. Policies implemented by telecommunications firms may have an impact on your ability to purchase or develop the land.

In Conclusion

Nigeria, purchasing land adjacent to a telecom tower is feasible, but there are a number of factors to take into account. Essential procedures include comprehending easement rights, verifying the property’s legal status, ensuring that the land is designated appropriately, and looking for health and safety hazards. To guarantee a seamless and knowledgeable acquisition, speaking with local authorities and a real estate attorney is strongly advised.

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be legal advice; rather, it is given for general informational purposes only. For advice on real estate transactions, always seek the advice of an experienced real estate attorney.

Author: Paul Okoh