Lagos Moves to Digitise Telecom Permit Approvals with New TIRS Platform by 2026

The government of Lagos State has said it will launch a fully automated platform for all approvals for telecommunication infrastructure from February 2026. Commonly called the Telecommunication Infrastructure Regulatory System, the online platform is designed to revolutionize approvals for masts, towers, and fibre-optic cables across the state.

In a statement signed by Prince Oyekanmi Elegushi, General Manager of Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA), the platform will ensure strict compliance with extant regulations and standards while promoting efficiency within the telecom sector. He explained that the introduction of the TIRS would “minimise human interaction by 99 per cent” and ultimately add to transparency and accountability.

With this new system, the telecom firms that seek to develop telecom infrastructure will be allowed to apply online for all the necessary permissions instead of visiting the respective departments in person. This is expected to reduce approval time considerably and increase the ease of doing business for domestic and international telecom operators.

Training and Readiness Ahead of Launch

Elegushi revealed that LASIMRA has already completed a comprehensive training programme for its staff across all departments to prepare for the rollout. The training, which covered both theoretical and practical aspects of the new system, was aimed at ensuring that employees understand the platform’s operations and can manage the digital transition effectively.

He noted that this preparation aligns with the state’s broader vision to adopt technology-driven governance models: “The introduction of TIRS represents Lagos State’s commitment to automation and improved service delivery in its regulatory processes,” he said.

Lagos’ Push for Digital Transformation

The planned launch of TIRS reflects the increasing drive of Lagos State toward digital governance and regulatory efficiency. As one of Africa’s fastest-growing tech hubs, Lagos has continued to invest in innovations that foster transparency and attract investors. By digitising approvals for telecoms infrastructure, the state wants to create an investor-friendly environment that is sustainable.