By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
The Anambra State Government, through the Anambra State Physical Planning Board (ANSPPB) and the Anambra State ICT Agency, has initiated a crackdown on unauthorized Internet Service Providers (ISPs) operating across the state.
This was contained in a statement signed by Barr. Chike Maduekwe, Executive Chairman/MD ANSPPB, and Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, CFA, MD/CEO, and made available to newsmen in Awka by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Anambra ICT Agency, Angela Nwanodu.
The statement read in part, ‘This decisive action follows numerous reports of illegal road and sidewalk excavations, as well as the unauthorized erection of poles defacing our environment.
‘Investigations have since revealed that several ISPs have been operating without the required submission of deployment plans and approvals. These illegal operations pose serious risks, including data breaches, poor service quality, and the defacement of public infrastructure.
‘Left unchecked, such activities not only compromise residents’ safety but also undermine legitimate ISPs who are registered with the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) and are prepared to follow due process to provide reliable services.
‘The objective of this crackdown is to sanitize 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 Soludo-led Administration to promote responsible technology use for the collective good.
‘Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious or unlicensed ISP activity by calling the dedicated hotline: 02014143039
Commenting on the development, the Executive Chairman/Managing Director of ANSPPB, Barr. Chike Maduekwe, stated:
‘This isn’t about shutting anyone out. It’s about ensuring everyone plays by the rules.
‘If you want to offer internet services in Anambra, go through the proper channels. We will support those doing the right thing, but we will not fold our arms and watch people cut corners.’
Also speaking, the Managing Director/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, emphasized that the Internet was no longer a luxury, noting that it had become a necessity.
‘Mr Governor announced and implemented zero right of way policy as a way of encouraging more players and deepening access, however, it is important to state that the first point of call for any interested player are the relevant agencies so that the state is aware of what is being deployed.
‘This is because our people deserve services from providers they can trust. We are committed to protecting our citizens while enabling fair competition in the tech ecosystem,’ Agbata explained.
He said the Anambra State Government remained resolute in fostering a safe, fair, and well-regulated digital economy, one, where residents could enjoy reliable internet services without fear of exploitation or compromise. He enjoined the people of the state to join hands in working to safeguard what he described as Anambra’s digital future.
