The Anambra State Government has begun a sweeping enforcement campaign against Internet Service Providers (ISPs) operating without proper regulatory approval. This move, announced in a joint statement by Mr. Chike Maduekwe, Managing Director of the Anambra State Physical Planning Board, and Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, Managing Director of the Anambra State ICT Agency, targets ISPs responsible for unauthorized excavations and pole installations that have disrupted infrastructure and endangered public safety.
The Soludo-led administration emphasized that this action is not meant to suppress business activities but to ensure regulatory compliance and protect the investments of duly licensed ISPs registered with the Nigerian Communications Commission. Authorities have provided hotlines for residents to report suspicious ISP activity, encouraging community participation in the enforcement drive.
This initiative comes at a time when the number of licensed ISPs in Nigeria continues to shrink, with over 300 operators becoming inactive in the past two years due to licensing costs, limited spectrum, right-of-way challenges, and dominance by major telecoms.
