House of Reps Initiate Bill to Provide Free Internet Access in Public Places

The Nigerian House of Representatives is taking a significant step towards bridging the digital divide with the introduction of a bill aimed at providing free internet access in public places.

This initiative, spearheaded by Mr. Abubakar Kusada from the Kankia/Ingawa/Kusada Federal Constituency in Katsina State, seeks to establish a legal framework for a nationwide program that ensures reliable and secure internet services are available to all citizens.

The proposed legislation, titled “An Act to establish the legal framework for a free internet access program in designated public places across Nigeria,” was introduced on October 14th, 2024. It aims to enhance internet accessibility in various public venues, including government offices, schools, hospitals, police and military barracks, public parks, airports, and transport terminals.

The bill guarantees that users will not incur any fees, emphasizing user-friendly access while addressing security concerns.

The implementation of this ambitious project will be led by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

These agencies are tasked with developing a comprehensive rollout plan within a year of the bill’s commencement.

The bill also encourages partnerships with the private sector to improve service delivery, ensuring a minimum internet speed of 2 Mbps for users.

By focusing on public-private partnerships and setting clear technical standards, the bill aims to create a sustainable model for free internet access.