NCC, LASIMRA, ALTON partner to strengthen critical information infrastructure across Lagos

*The Nigerian Communications Commission, Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency, and Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria collaborate to strengthen communication infrastructure, ensure high-quality Internet access, and enhance telecoms consumer experience across the cosmopolitan state

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

In a bid for a collaborative effort at addressing any damage to Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA) are partnering to strengthen telecoms infrastructure with a focus on a Tower Enumeration Project across the state.

ConsumerConnect reports the collaboration between NCC and LASIMRA also comes with a commitment to enforcing penalties and ensuring high-quality Internet access for telecoms consumers in the digital ecosystem.

The agency’s visit is equally said to have marked a significant milestone in strengthening collaboration between the industry regulators towards strengthening the telecoms sector and consumer experience in Lagos State.

A delegation of the Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency, as a follow-up on the partnership between the two organisations, recently visited the NCC Headquarters in Abuja, FCT.

Prince Oyekanmi Elegushi, General Manager/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LASIMRA, along alongside other Senior Management Staff of the agency led the delegation to the Commission, in Abuja.

Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, as well as the Management team received the LASIMRA delegation on arrival at the telecoms sector regulatory Commission’s Headquarters.

On issues affecting Nigerian telecoms industry

Discussions focused on addressing critical issues affecting the telecoms industry, with particular emphasis on the security and protection of the information infrastructure deployed in the ecosystem.

It was also learnt Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, President of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), and Mr. Damian Udeh, Publicity Secretary, representing the Association also joined the meeting with the Commission.

Highlighting the significance of its collaboration with NCC, LASIMRA restated the need for effective oversight and safeguarding of these essential information assets under the jurisdiction of the Lagos State Government (LASG).

The forum as well presented an opportunity for the stakeholders to discuss the Tower Enumeration Project.

The project has been described as a comprehensive audit initiative aimed at identifying all distressing communication infrastructure across Lagos.

The Lagos regulatory agency raised certain concerns about damage to public infrastructure caused by some operators during fibre deployment.

LASIMRA, however, reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing appropriate penalties to preserve public assets in the state’s digital space.

Measures to improve connectivity, ensure high-quality access for telecoms consumers 

In a decisive move to to bring order to the sector, improve connectivity, and ensure widespread access to high-quality telecoms services across Lagos, the NCC, LASIMRA and ALTON agreed on the importance of evolving “a unified strategy” in alliance with other industry stakeholders for success.

LASIMRA, therefore, expressed appreciation to the NCC for its support and collaboration in this regard.

“Together, we remain committed to building a more connected, secure, and digitally inclusive Lagos,” the agency reportedly said.

Core objectives of Lagos City Mast and Tower Enumeration Project

The Nigerian Communications Commission and ALTON, late January 2025, had indicated their support for the Lagos City Mast and Tower Enumeration Project initiated by the Lagos State Government.

The Association, in a statement, affirmed the project is vital for addressing public safety concerns the Lagos Government had raised in connection with abandoned communication towers across the metropolis.

ALTON assured that the move would “deliver significant benefits to our industry and the broader public.”

It also noted: “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.

It is acknowledged that several towers in Lagos are owned by non-telecommunication entities, including broadcasting companies (television and radio stations), government agencies, emergency services (Police, Fire Service, Military, and defence organisations), financial institution, private security firms, and others.

ALTON stated that there is often a public misconception that all the “towers belong to network operators.”

The Association also affirmed through the 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.”

The Lagos State Government as well particularly highlighted the need to address critical issues related to public safety, structural integrity, and the potential risks associated with such abandoned towers that dot the skyline in the state.

According to LASIMRA, the Lagos City Mast and Tower Enumeration Project will help to clearly identify, and distinguish telecoms the Mobile Network Operators’ (MNOs) towers from those of other entities.

The agency noted this effort would enable better regulatory oversight, improved infrastructure management, and for further action by the Lagos State Planning authorities.

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