Anambra Agencies Go After Illegal Telecom Operators
The Anambra Government on Thursday said it has commenced a crackdown on unauthorised Internet Service Providers (ISPs) operating across the state.
Mr Chike Maduekwe and Mr Chukwuemeka Agbata Managing Directors of the Anambra State Physical Planning Board (ANSPPB) and the Anambra State Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Agency respectively said this in a joint Statement.
They said the action followed numerous reports of illegal road and sidewalk excavations, as well as the unauthorised erection of poles noting that several ISPs had been operating without the required licenses or official approvals.
They said such activities not only compromised residents’ safety but also undermined legitimate ISPs who were registered with the Nigeria Communications Commission and prepared to follow due process to provide reliable services.
According to them, these illegal operations pose serious risks, including data breaches, poor service quality, and the defacement of public infrastructure.
“The objective of this crackdown is to sanitise the state’s digital landscape by ensuring that only properly registered and certified ISPs are allowed to operate in the State.
“This initiative is part of the broader vision of the Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s administration to promote responsible technology use for the collective good.
“Residents are encouraged to report suspicious or unlicensed ISP activity by calling the dedicated hotlines: 08062533672 or 02014143039,” it said.
The agencies said the crackdown was not targeted at shutting anyone out but to ensure everyone played by the rules adding that any business which wanted to offer internet services in Anambra should go through the proper channels.
They promised to support genuine businesses, but would not watch people cut corners or convert the digital momentum generated by the government to a halt .
“Our people deserve services from providers they can trust and we are committed to protecting our citizens by creating the enabling tech ecosystem.
“We are determined to fostering a safe, fair, and well-regulated digital economy, one where residents can enjoy reliable internet services without fear of exploitation or compromise,” it said.
