The Anambra State Government has launched a major crackdown on unauthorised Internet Service Providers (ISPs) operating without regulatory approvals.
This was disclosed in a joint statement by Mr. Chike Maduekwe, Managing Director of the Anambra State Physical Planning Board (ANSPPB), and Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, Managing Director of the Anambra State Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Agency.
The crackdown follows numerous reports of illegal road and sidewalk excavations, as well as unauthorised erection of poles by several ISPs across the state.
The government expressed concerns that these activities not only compromise public safety but also undermine the operations of legitimate ISPs who are registered with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
“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-led administration to promote responsible technology use for the collective good,” they stated.
Crackdown is not to stifle business
The two agencies clarified that the clampdown is not meant to stifle businesses but to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
They emphasised that any business owner who wishes to offer internet services in Anambra must go through the proper channels.
To support enforcement efforts, the state has provided dedicated hotlines for reporting illegal ISP operations.
“Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious or unlicensed ISP activity by calling these dedicated hotlines: 08062533672 or 02014143039,” the statement added.
Officials also promised continued support for genuine tech businesses that comply with regulations and contribute to the state’s digital transformation.
What you should know
Nairametrics reported that the number of licensed Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Nigeria has been declining steadily, with 12 ISPs relinquishing their licences in June 2024 alone. As of July, only 242 ISPs remained active, down from 252 in May. This drop has been linked to operators failing to renew their licences, which are tenured for five years at a cost of N500,000.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has expressed concern over the trend, noting that as of March 2022, over 568 licensed ISPs had become inactive. The key challenges driving this situation include high costs of bandwidth, inadequate spectrum availability, expensive right-of-way charges, and anti-competitive practices by bigger telecom players.
Independent ISPs in Nigeria are primarily indigenous firms that offer only internet services, unlike mobile network operators like MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile, who provide voice, data, and other services under broader licences. These mobile operators have taken a dominant share of the market, making it difficult for smaller ISPs to remain competitive.
Despite their struggles, ISPs are seen as critical players in the push for widespread broadband access in Nigeria. There have been calls for more government support to protect their operations and sustain the broadband penetration goals of the country.
