The Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA) has announced the commencement of the enumeration of communication towers and masts across Lagos State.
A statement signed in Lagos by the General Manager/Chief Executive Officer, Prince Oyekanmi Elegushi on Friday, detailed the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) as a partner in this important initiative. This project is vital for addressing public safety concerns raised by the Lagos State Government regarding abandoned communication towers and will deliver significant benefits to our industry and the broader public.
The Lagos City Mast and Tower Enumeration Project aims to develop a comprehensive and up-to-date database of all communication towers in Lagos State. While many towers are owned by non-telecommunication entities, such as broadcasting companies (television and radio stations), government agencies, emergency services (police, fire, military, and defense organisations), financial institution, private security firms, and others—there is often a public misconception that all towers belong to network operators.
The Lagos State Government has highlighted the need to address critical issues related to public safety, structural integrity, and the potential risks associated with abandoned towers. This enumeration exercise will help clearly identify and distinguish telecom operators’ towers from those owned by other entities, enabling better regulatory oversight, improved infrastructure management and for further action by the Lagos State Planning authorities.
ALTON, in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo and Executive Secretary, Gbolahan Awonuga, explained the importance of the initiative: “This initiative, endorsed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and jointly sponsored by our members, demonstrates our commitment to self-regulation, proactive risk management, and safeguarding public interest. By maintaining a robust and secure infrastructure in Lagos State and across the nation, will strengthen industry-led solutions, enhance our reputation, and foster stronger relationships with regulators and stakeholders.
Through this project, we aim to promote public safety, support environmental sustainability, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. The initiative will also serve as a framework for similar future projects in other major cities across Nigeria as we proceed to Phase 2.”
The Association, while pledging its commitment to working with Lagos State Government through LASIMRA and all relevant stakeholders to achieve these goals, called on all stakeholders to support this exercise, ensuring its success in the public interest and for the safety and well-being of all.
