The House of Representatives has introduced a bill aimed at offering free internet services across select public venues in Nigeria.
This initiative was initiated during a recent first reading of the bill titled “An Act to provide the legal framework for the free internet access programme in selected public places in Nigeria,” spearheaded by Mr. Abubakar Kusada, a member representing the Kankia/Ingawa/Kusada Federal Constituency of Katsina State.
The proposed legislation seeks to acknowledge the critical importance of information and communications technology in the development of the nation.
It outlines the commitment to creating conditions that facilitate accessible and reliable internet services.
The bill details various public places where free internet access will be available, including federal, state, and local government offices, educational institutions, public hospitals, and health centers, particularly in rural areas.
Other facilities listed for inclusion are military and police barracks, libraries, public parks, plazas, airports, seaports, and public transport terminals.
According to the bill, users will not incur any fees to connect to these public internet services.
It clarifies that the free internet provision will operate separately from the internet systems used for government operations.
Additionally, measures to restrict access may only be implemented in cases of substantial technical risks that cannot be addressed through standard solutions.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) are designated as the lead agencies responsible for establishing the standards and determining which public places will receive priority for the programme.
The bill mandates these agencies to formulate a detailed plan for the rollout within one year of the law’s enactment.
Collaboration with various stakeholders, including government levels, private entities, and internet advocacy groups, is encouraged to ensure that the plan aligns with existing budgets and resources.
The bill also proposes that partnerships with private sector providers could enhance service delivery, allowing them to offer additional internet services at reasonable rates where necessary.
Overall, this legislative move is expected to significantly boost internet accessibility across Nigeria, benefiting numerous citizens in various public spaces.
