07 November 2025
In a move to modernise and streamline the approval process for telecommunication infrastructure projects, the Lagos State Government announced plans to launch the Telecommunication Infrastructure Regulatory System (TIRS) in February 2026.
The new platform aims to eliminate nearly all manual procedures involved in permitting for masts, towers, and fibre optic cable rights-of-way, ensuring full compliance with state regulations and technical standards.
Prince Oyekanmi Elegushi, General Manager of the Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA), revealed that TIRS will significantly enhance transparency and accountability by reducing human interaction in permit processing by approximately 99%. Telecom companies will be able to apply for permits entirely online, drastically reducing the need for physical visits and minimising delays in approval.
To ensure a smooth implementation, LASIMRA has provided comprehensive training for all its departments and units, covering both technical and administrative aspects of the new system. Elegushi emphasised that the platform aligns with Lagos State’s broader goal of adopting digital governance and improving public service delivery, while also fostering a more investor-friendly environment for telecom operators.
LASIMRA has been increasingly active in regulatory enforcement, including decommissioning over 95 illegal or unsafe masts and towers across Lagos, and identifying an additional 20 for removal following safety investigations. Earlier this year, the agency launched the Lagos City Mast and Tower Enumeration Project in partnership with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), aimed at creating a comprehensive database of all telecom structures within the state.
The introduction of TIRS is expected to bolster these oversight efforts, enhancing efficiency in permit approval processes and supporting Lagos’s commitment to smarter, safer, and more sustainable telecom infrastructure development.
