The Lagos State Government has given MTN, Airtel and three other telecommunications operators 48 hours to repair sagging fibre-optic cables in Ikeja GRA, warning that failure to comply could attract regulatory penalties and further enforcement action.
The directive was issued by the Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA) following an inspection that uncovered poorly secured overhead fibre-optic cables in the area.
In a notice issued on Monday, the agency named MTN, Airtel, ipNX, FibreOne and 21st Century Technologies as the operators required to inspect, tighten and properly secure the affected cables within 48 hours of receiving the notice.
LASIMRA said the companies must take immediate corrective action to ensure that the cables are properly installed and secured in line with applicable regulatory requirements.
“Failure by any of the named providers to comply with this directive within the stipulated time frame will attract appropriate regulatory penalties and further enforcement action in accordance with applicable laws and LASIMRA regulations,” the agency warned.
The agency also directed the operators to submit evidence of completed repairs directly to it after carrying out the required corrective work.
The enforcement action followed a routine inspection and patrol conducted by LASIMRA in Ikeja GRA on October 13, 2026, during which officials identified sagging aerial fibre-optic cables.
The agency said the directive formed part of its ongoing efforts to ensure a safer, cleaner and properly regulated environment across Lagos State.
The problem of poorly installed overhead telecommunications cables has generated concerns among residents in several parts of the state, particularly as operators expand their fibre networks to homes, offices and commercial centres.
Telecommunications companies are increasingly deploying fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) and other fibre-to-the-X (FTTX) connections to meet growing demand for reliable, high-speed internet services. However, poorly secured cables can hang dangerously low over roads and footpaths, creating potential hazards for motorists, pedestrians and other road users.
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Low-hanging cables can become entangled with delivery trucks and other tall vehicles, potentially snapping or pulling down sections of the network. Such incidents may endanger road users, obstruct movement and cause service disruptions for customers who depend on the affected infrastructure.
The expansion of fibre infrastructure has become increasingly important as Nigerians consume more data through video streaming, large file transfers, cloud computing and remote work. Fibre connections can carry substantial volumes of data and help reduce pressure on mobile networks, including 4G and 5G services.
However, the rapid rollout of these connections has also increased the need for proper cable installation, maintenance and coordination among telecommunications providers operating in the same areas.
LASIMRA’s latest directive puts the five named operators under pressure to address the identified faults before the deadline expires. The agency warned that companies that fail to comply could face sanctions under the relevant laws and regulations.
The development comes amid continued growth in Nigeria’s fixed broadband market, although fibre connections remain limited compared with the country’s much larger mobile internet market.
Industry data cited by Technext showed that Nigeria’s FTTX subscriber base increased to 319,735 in the second quarter of 2026, representing a 29 per cent rise from 241,750 subscribers recorded in the first quarter.
MTN FibreX was a major contributor to the growth, with 176,468 subscribers, according to the report, as the operator continued expanding its fixed broadband service in major Nigerian cities.
Despite the increase, the country’s fibre subscriber base remains a small fraction of its approximately 158 million internet subscriptions, reflecting the market’s limited penetration and the challenges of expanding fixed broadband access.
The figures highlight the growing importance of fibre infrastructure to Nigeria’s digital economy, as well as the need for operators to ensure that network expansion does not compromise public safety.
For Lagos, the immediate focus is on getting the affected cables secured within the stipulated 48 hours. The five operators are expected to complete the repairs and provide LASIMRA with proof of compliance, while those that miss the deadline risk regulatory penalties and additional enforcement measures.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
