Widow Sues Airtel, ATC For N232m Over Alleged Noise Pollution

A widow, Mrs Sarah Akinya, has dragged Airtel Networks Limited and ATC Nigeria Wireless Infrastructure Limited before the Lagos State High Court, demanding N232m in damages over alleged noise pollution and property damage linked to a telecommunications facility near her residence in Okota, Lagos.

The claimant, who filed the suit on behalf of herself and members of her household, is also seeking an order compelling the companies to dismantle and relocate the installation or stop activities allegedly disrupting the peaceful enjoyment of her home.

The suit, marked LD/970/2007, is before Justice Abisoye Bashua of the Lagos Judicial Division of the High Court.

In her amended statement of claim, Akinya alleged that the telecommunications facility, identified as LAG 101 Base Station, had exposed her household to persistent noise, vibrations, smoke and fumes since its installation in 2004.

She said she had lived in her four-bedroom bungalow in Okota since December 1995, but the situation changed in April 2004 when Airtel allegedly began construction on an adjoining property.

According to her, the installation comprises a telecommunications mast, heavy-duty generators, an energy reservoir and fuel storage facilities, with some equipment located about four metres from her property's boundary wall.

Through her lawyer, Ajibola Ajiboye of Fadeson Legal Practice, the widow claimed that the continuous operation of the generators produced excessive noise and vibrations, which allegedly caused cracks in the walls of her building and perimeter fence.

She also alleged that smoke and fumes from the facility entered her residence, settling on furniture and floors and raising concerns about the health of occupants.

Akinya is demanding N200m in damages for the alleged nuisance arising from noise, vibrations, fumes, smoke and radiation associated with the installation. She is seeking an additional N32m as general damages for alleged discomfort, illness, inconvenience, pain and suffering.

Beyond the financial claims, she wants the court to order the defendants to dismantle the facility and relocate it to a safer location. Alternatively, she is seeking an injunction restraining them from continuing activities allegedly constituting a nuisance.

The claimant also accused the companies of negligence over damage to her perimeter fence. She alleged that a trailer conveying a generator to the facility struck the fence, damaging part of it.

Although maintenance operators reportedly promised to repair the damaged section, Akinya said the work was not carried out. She claimed the weakened fence later collapsed during heavy rainfall, leaving her property exposed and creating security concerns.

To support her allegations, she relied on an inspection reportedly conducted by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), which found that noise levels around the facility exceeded the permitted limits for a residential neighbourhood.

The inspection reportedly recorded noise levels of 71 decibels at the entrance to her property and 61 decibels at a distance of five metres, above the stated residential limits of 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night.

LASEPA, under its General Manager, Dr Babatunde Ajayi, reportedly directed the facility's operators to address the noise pollution, install soundproofing measures, redirect exhaust pipes and comply with relevant environmental regulations.

The case was expanded on January 15, 2026, when Justice Bashua ordered the joinder of ATC Nigeria Wireless Infrastructure Limited as the second defendant, following its identification in court documents as the company currently managing and operating the mast.

The claimant's solicitors also reportedly wrote to ATC's management on September 2, 2026, concerning the dispute.

The allegations are before the court for determination, and the liability of the defendants, as well as the claimant's entitlement to the damages and other reliefs sought, remains to be established.