ID: 2259
Presenting Author: Dr Abbas Suleiman
Session: 541 - EsIA and Permitting Improvements for Efficiency and Effectiveness: Lessons Learned
Status: pending
This paper investigates how inter-agency rivalry among NESREA, the NCC, ALTON, and the Federal Ministry of Environment shaped the evolution of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and per
This paper examines the evolution of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and environmental permitting processes in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, focusing on how inter-agency rivalry among key regulatory institutions has influenced efficiency, compliance, and sectoral growth. The case of the conflict between the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), and the Federal Ministry of Environment is analyzed to uncover the systemic weaknesses in coordination and enforcement that hinder effective ESIA implementation.
The study traces the regulatory overlap that emerged as NESREA sought to enforce environmental compliance standards on telecom base transceiver stations (BTS), while the NCC, backed by ALTON, asserted its statutory authority over the telecommunications industry. This regulatory contestation led to duplicated permitting procedures, operational delays, and industry pushback. Government intervention through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NESREA, NCC, and the Federal Ministry of Environment ultimately restored regulatory clarity and streamlined ESIA requirements.
Drawing from stakeholder interviews, policy documents, and institutional correspondence, the paper highlights key lessons on fostering inter-agency collaboration, regulatory harmonization, and procedural efficiency in environmental permitting. It argues that coordinated ESIA systems not only enhance environmental protectio
Dr. Abbas Suleiman, PhD, FNES, mNMGS, is a distinguished environmental scientist, policy strategist, and National President of AEIAN. Formerly Director at the Federal Ministry of Environment and now C