Reps Propose Free Internet for Public Schools, Hospitals in Nigeria

The House of Representatives in Nigeria has initiated a significant move to provide free internet services in various public places, including public schools and hospitals. This proposal is outlined in a bill titled, “An Act to provide the legal framework for the free internet access programme in selected public places in Nigeria and for other related matters,” which was sponsored by Mr. Abubakar Kusada, the representative of Kankia/Ingawa/Kusada Federal Constituency, Katsina State.

The bill, which passed its first reading last week, aims to promote an environment that ensures the availability and accessibility of reliable and secure internet access. Public places covered under the proposed law include federal, state, and local government offices, secondary and tertiary institutions, and public hospitals, including health centers in rural areas. Other locations listed are police, Army, Navy, and Customs barracks, public parks, plazas, libraries and reading centers, public airports and seaports, and public transport terminals.

According to the bill, no fee shall be collected from users to connect to the public internet access points. The free internet service is to be separate from the internet service used for backend computer systems and programs, databases, and management and information systems in government offices. However, shared use of infrastructure is not prohibited, provided it does not compromise the service.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) are empowered to set standards and qualifications for determining which public places shall be included and prioritized for the programme’s rollout. These agencies will oversee the effective and efficient implementation of the Act, working in collaboration with other relevant agencies, private sector entities, and concerned organizations.

The bill mandates that NCC and NITDA develop a comprehensive plan for the timely and effective implementation and propagation of this programme within one year of the commencement of the Act. This plan is to be integrated with the plans and budgets of all agencies mandated to provide free internet access under this programme.