Lagos Threatens Sanctions Against ISPs Over Poorly Maintained Cables

The Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA) has threatened sanctions against internet service providers (ISPs) over poorly maintained and unsecured telecommunications cables across parts of the state.

The agency has directed affected operators in Ilasan and neighbouring communities to clean up and properly secure their network installations by November 9, 2026, warning that failure to comply could attract regulatory penalties.

The directive targets cable installations considered poorly maintained, inadequately secured or improperly deployed across public and private properties.

LASIMRA’s intervention comes amid growing concerns over the proliferation of fibre-optic and coaxial cables suspended across buildings, poles and fences in several Lagos neighbourhoods.

Apart from affecting the appearance of communities, improperly installed cables can pose safety risks, damage property and disrupt telecommunications services when infrastructure is compromised.

The agency’s action also highlights the growing role of state authorities in regulating the physical deployment and maintenance of telecommunications infrastructure.

While the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) oversees telecommunications licensing, spectrum allocation and service quality at the federal level, LASIMRA is responsible for infrastructure maintenance and compliance within Lagos State.

The overlapping responsibilities place additional regulatory obligations on internet service providers operating in the commercial capital.

Although LASIMRA has not specified the penalties operators could face for missing the deadline, its warning signals a tougher enforcement approach towards companies that fail to maintain their installations.

Affected providers may face additional costs associated with inspecting, repairing and securing their cable networks before the deadline.

The outcome of the directive could also influence how other state governments address poorly maintained telecommunications infrastructure.