The Nigerian House of Representatives has begun the legislative process to provide free internet services in selected public spaces nationwide.
This initiative follows the recent passage of a bill titled “An Act to provide the Legal Framework for the Free Internet Access Program in Selected Public Places in Nigeria and for other related matters,” 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 establish a legal framework for providing free internet in federal, state, and local government offices, educational institutions, and public hospitals, among other locations.
Speaking in support of the bill, Kusada highlighted the importance of information and communications technology for nation-building and called for an environment that ensures reliable and accessible internet services for Nigerians.
Public spaces covered under the proposed law include secondary and tertiary institutions, government offices, rural health centers, police and military barracks, public parks, libraries, airports, seaports, and transport terminals.
Section 1 of the bill stipulates that internet access in these public places will be free of charge, and it further clarifies that this service will be distinct from the internet used for government backend systems.
It adds that technical solutions to limit access will only be deployed in cases of technical severe risks or breaches.
The bill assigns the Nigerian Communications Commission and the National Information Technology Development Agency as the lead implementing agencies.
These organizations will oversee the program’s rollout and ensure its effective implementation.
According to the proposed law, NCC and NITDA must, within a year of the bill’s passage, develop a comprehensive plan to ensure the timely execution of the program.
The bill also encourages public-private partnerships to promote cost-effective service delivery, stating, “To promote an efficient and cost-effective delivery of free internet access in public places, NCC and NITDA may partner with the private sector in implementing the program.”
Moreover, private sector partners could offer supplemental internet services for a fee in areas where program facilities are located, provided they register with the NCC as value-added service providers.
Regarding service quality, the bill mandates that the minimum internet speed per user should be two megabytes per second or as prescribed by the National Broadband Plan, whichever is higher.
If passed, this bill is expected to improve digital access for Nigerians, particularly in rural areas, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities, contributing to the country’s broader goal of expanding ICT infrastructure.
