Lagos begins enumeration of telecoms mast in February

Lagos State government will commence the enumeration of all communications masts and towers domiciled in the state.

This is according to the state Infrastructure, Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA).

In a statement signed by the General Manager/Chief Executive Officer, LASIMRA, Oyekanmi Elegushi, sighted by The Guardian on Monday, the Agency said the initiative, which will be carried out in collaboration with the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), is expected to span a period of three months or more, effective February 1, 2025.

LASIMRA, which is responsible for regulating and controlling the installation, maintenance, and laying of network facilities in the state, said the primary objective of the exercise is to update the agency’s database with accurate and comprehensive information on all communications, telecoms, radio, television and security infrastructure within the state.

This effort, the Agency explained, will not only enhance regulatory oversight but also ensure the safety and well-being of all residents by identifying and addressing any potential structural or environmental concerns associated with masts and towers.

“We urge all stakeholders, including telecom operators, broadcasting companies, banks, security companies, property owners and the general public, to cooperate fully with our team of enumerators during the service. Your support is crucial in achieving a safer and more efficient telecommunications landscape in Lagos,” LASIMRA stated.

Speaking with The Guardian on the exercise, ALTON Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, said the enumeration is needed to identify masts and towers that belonged to telecoms operators and other players in the state.

Adebayo said the exercise is also needed to know the strength and health of all the masts and towers in the state.

As of 2023, Nigeria was home to 39,356 towers, where TowerCos owned 30,373 and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) 8,983.

About three years back, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) statistics revealed that Lagos had the largest number of towers deployed at 5,851. Ogun State came second in terms of installed towers with 2,418, while Rivers State had 2,049.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja was the fourth on the list of states with the largest telecom infrastructure. It had 1,944 towers, followed by Oyo and Edo States, which had 1,713 and 1,556 installed towers respectively.

The data also revealed that states such as Kebbi, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Gombe, Yobe, and Zamfara had the least telecom infrastructure in the country.