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Reps Propose Bill: Nigerians To Enjoy Free Internet In Schools, Hospitals

Published

2 months ago

Oct 14, 2024.

The House of Representatives has advanced a bill proposing free internet access in select public places across Nigeria, passing its first reading last week. Sponsored by Abubakar Kusada, representing Kankia/Ingawa/Kusada Federal Constituency of Katsina State, the bill is 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.”

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Kusada emphasized the importance of information and communication technology for nation-building, highlighting the need for reliable and secure internet access in public spaces.

The bill seeks to ensure free internet availability in federal, state, and local government offices, public hospitals, secondary and tertiary institutions, and rural health centers, as well as military barracks, airports, parks, libraries, and transport terminals.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) are designated as the lead implementing agencies, responsible for overseeing the program’s rollout.

They will develop a comprehensive plan within one year of the bill’s enactment, collaborating with federal, state, and local governments, private sector partners, and relevant organizations.

Reps Bill Free Internet

Under the bill, no fees will be charged for internet use in designated public spaces. NCC and NITDA will also set the minimum internet speed at two megabytes per second or higher, depending on the National Broadband Plan’s requirements.

Private sector partnerships will be encouraged to ensure efficient service delivery, allowing excess capacity to be offered to users at a reasonable fee in areas where facilities are located.

The bill aims to promote internet access while maintaining a secure and reliable digital environment.