The Nigerian Communications Commission, in collaboration with the Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency and the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, has commenced a statewide telecom infrastructure cleanup exercise in Lagos, signaling what analysts describe as a tougher regulatory phase for telecom infrastructure governance in Nigeria.
The exercise, which began around Toyin Street in Ikeja, uncovered several improperly installed aerial fibre cables hanging dangerously around poles, gates, gutters, and pedestrian areas. Regulators warned that some of the exposed cables remain live and pose risks to public safety, city aesthetics, and telecom service quality.
The development comes amid growing concerns over indiscriminate fibre deployments across Lagos as operators rapidly expanded broadband infrastructure to support rising internet demand, fintech services, cloud computing, and remote work. Urban planners have repeatedly raised concerns over loose cables, poorly managed ducts, and installations that violate safety and planning standards.
According to the NCC, failure to comply with telecom infrastructure standards threatens Critical National Information Infrastructure and contributes to service disruptions and network instability. The cleanup exercise reflects the government’s increasing focus on protecting telecom assets regarded as vital to Nigeria’s digital economy, public services, and national security.