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 Anambra State Physical Planning Board (ANSPPB) and Anambra State Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Agency, respectively disclosed this in a joint statement.

They said that the decisive action followed numerous reports of illegal road and sidewalk excavations, as well as the unauthorised erection of poles by several ISPs operating without the required approvals.

They said that such activities not only compromised residents’ safety but undermine legitimate ISPs operations whose owners were registered with the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC).

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 were allowed to operate in the state.

“This initiative is part of the broader vision of the Gov. Chukwuma 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 these dedicated hotlines: 08062533672 or 02014143039,” they stated.

The agencies said that the crackdown was not targeted at shutting anyone out of business, but to ensure that people played by the rules.

They added that any business owner that wanted to offer internet services in Anambra should go through the proper channels.

Maduekwe and Agbata promised to support genuine businesses, adding that they would not watch people cut corners or drag 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 foster a safe, fair and well-regulated digital economy whereby the residents could enjoy reliable internet services without fear of exploitation or compromise,” they stated.