The Anambra State Government has commenced a statewide crackdown on unlicensed Internet Service Providers (ISPs) operating without regulatory approval. The operation, led by the Anambra State Physical Planning Board (ANSPPB) and the Anambra State ICT Agency, targets operators involved in illegal road and sidewalk excavations as well as unauthorized erection of poles, which have been described as both unsafe and environmentally disruptive.
In a joint statement signed by the Executive Chairman/Managing Director of ANSPPB, Mr. Chike Maduekwe, and the Managing Director/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, the government stated that several ISPs had been found operating without submitting deployment plans or securing necessary approvals. These actions, it noted, expose residents to risks such as data breaches, substandard service, and the degradation of public infrastructure.
The state government emphasized that the objective of the enforcement is to sanitize Anambra’s digital space by ensuring only licensed and NCC-compliant ISPs operate in the state. The move is in line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s broader vision to promote responsible and transparent technology deployment. Residents have been encouraged to report any unlicensed ISP activity via a dedicated hotline, as part of efforts to protect public interest.
Mr. Maduekwe stressed the importance of regulatory compliance, stating that the government is not out to hinder service providers but to ensure that all players follow due process. Similarly, Mr. Agbata highlighted the critical role of the internet in daily life, reiterating that while the state promotes digital access through policies like the zero Right-of-Way charge, proper procedures must be followed to maintain trust and safeguard infrastructure.