By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

A rights group, the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), has filed Suit against two communication giants, MTN Nigeria Communications PLC, ATC, Nigeria Wireless Infrastructure Limited Abuja, Nigeria over Environmental violations and Regulatory breaches in Nigeria?s telecommunications infrastructure sector.

Others include, the Federal Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management, and the Minister of Environment and Ecological Management.

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 serious environmental and social concerns arising from the deployment of telecommunications infrastructure across the country.

FENRAD stressed that the Federal Ministry of Environment and its Honourable Minister have failed in their statutory duty to ensure strict compliance with environmental laws and regulations in the siting and operation of telecommunications masts and infrastructure.

The group In a statement on the lawsuit, signed by Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, the Executive Director of FENRAD, said it is also challenging MTN Nigeria and ATC Nigeria Wireless Infrastructure Limited for allegedly neglecting proper environmental impact assessments (EIA), adherence to environmental regulations, and community engagement processes in the deployment of their network infrastructure.

The key issues raised in the suit include; ?Failure to Comply with Environmental Laws: The defendants are alleged to have disregarded statutory provisions regarding environmental impact assessments, regulatory approvals, and community consultations before erecting telecommunications infrastructure.

?Potential Public Health and Safety Risks: FENRAD argues that non-compliant infrastructure deployments pose environmental, health, and safety risks to host communities, warranting urgent judicial intervention.

?Accountability of Regulatory Authorities: The lawsuit questions the oversight role of the Federal Ministry of Environment and its Honourable Minister, asserting that they have failed in their mandate to enforce compliance.?

Itemising its four demands, FENRAD stated: ?FENRAD is urging the court to, Declare the actions of the defendants unlawful for failing to adhere to Nigeria?s environmental protection laws.

?Compel regulatory authorities to enforce strict compliance with environmental standards in telecommunications infrastructure deployment.

?Mandate MTN Nigeria and ATC Nigeria Wireless Infrastructure Limited to conduct thorough environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA) before deploying infrastructure.

?Provide adequate compensation and remediation for affected communities.?

The rights group further said that as an organisation committed to environmental rights and sustainable development, it will not relent in holding corporate entities and regulatory bodies accountable for environmental and social justice.

It added: "This lawsuit Is not just about compliance; it is about ensuring that businesses operating in Nigeria respect the rights of communities and adhere to the highest environmental standards. We remain steadfast in our pursuit of justice and will continue to advocate for a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environment for all Nigerians.?

Speaking on the next steps, FENRAD called on the judiciary to ensure a fair and expedited hearing of the case, given its far-reaching environmental and public interest implications.

The organisation also urged concerned stakeholders, environmental activists, and the general public to support this cause and hold corporate actors accountable for their environmental footprint.