Lagos state government has commenced the pulling down of all unapproved telecommunication masts in the state.

This follows the lapse of a December 31, 2013 deadline that the state’s Urban Furniture Regulatory Unit (UFRU) had issued earlier in the year to all telecoms mast owners.

Mast owners have to ensure their structures comply with new industry standards.

In November last year, the state government insisted that all hollow masts be replaced with newly approved galvanised modern masts in a bid to reduce incidents of collapse.

The exercise has thus far seen the dismantling of masts belonging to three banks: First Bank Nigeria Plc, United Bank for Africa and Union Bank.

Actions by the URFU to pull down the masts had also led to disruptions of banking services.Customers have reportedly been directed to transact at alternative branches.

The unit; though, has said it would continue decommissioning the masts until all marked hollow structures in the state are pulled down.

Apart from banks, telecommunication firms, internet service providers, insurance companies, oil companies and others have been identified for owning faulty towers.

Members of the public have previously sustained injuries after masts collapsed during instances of bad weather.