A Lagos widow, Mrs Sarah Akinya, has taken Airtel Networks Limited and ATC Nigeria Wireless Infrastructure Limited to the Lagos State High Court, seeking ₦232 million in damages over alleged noise pollution and environmental disturbances caused by a telecommunications mast near her home in Okota. She is also asking the court to order the removal of Airtel and ATC installation or prevent the companies from continuing activities she considers an environmental nuisance.
In her suit, marked LD/970/2007, Akinya alleged that generators and other equipment installed about four metres from her property’s boundary wall produce persistent noise, vibrations, fumes and smoke. She claimed the disturbances caused cracks in her building and fence, while an inspection by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency reportedly recorded noise levels of 71 decibels at her property entrance and 61 decibels five metres away, exceeding the residential limits of 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night.
The claimant is demanding ₦200 million for the alleged nuisance and ₦32 million in general damages for discomfort, illness, inconvenience and suffering. Justice Bashua joined ATC Nigeria as the second defendant on January 15, 2026, after court documents identified it as the company currently managing the mast, while Akinya also accused the operators of failing to repair a perimeter fence allegedly damaged by a generator delivery vehicle.
