Firstly the agent receives the location ( in the form of coordinates). This helps the agent to identify the site required by zeroing in on the exact location where the acquisition is needed.

Next the agent feeds the coordinates in a G.P.S ( Global Positioning System ) which directs them to the area where the mast is to be erect. When the agent gets to the ground they are expected to do the following ;

1. Put forward their proposal and negotiate as per the client ( telecommunications company) specifications.

2. Negotiate on the space to be leased out, for instance by 10sqmDiscuss rent payable per month or per year.

3. Discuss the lease period or the no of years that the agreement between the client and the landowner will run e.g. 10 years

4. Obtain and verify documents which proof ownership of the land in question.

5. Explain to the landowner (landlord) the merits and demerits of having the mast on his/her land.

6. Attend to any queries that the landowner might have.

7. Take panoramic photos of the surrounding areas and get the services available in the area i.e electricity, condition of the road among others.

8. Obtain the necessary approvals from the local authorities and N.E.M.A among others.

When the agents have fulfilled the above, they are required to write a site acquisition form ( commonly referred to as an I.D form) which is later forwarded to the client. The I.D form helps the client know what transpired on the ground. These we can call a feedback from the ground. With the I.D form the client can know whether the work was done or not.

If the client is satisfied with the results, what follows is the go ahead where the acquired site is approved. This is followed by the signing of the lease agreement between the client and the landowner thus giving the green-light for construction of the telecommunication mast.

It is important to note that Site acquisition is not only used to acquire land for telecommunication companies but also for individuals who intend to develop land, Non governmental organizations (N.G.Os) among others.In brief this is what site acquisition entails.

Next we will critically examine site acquisition and the many but conquerable challenges experts experience on the ground.