The House of Representatives is championing a proposal for free internet access in public schools, hospitals, government offices at all levels, higher education institutions, rural health centers, military barracks, public parks, libraries, airports, seaports, and transport terminals.
This week, a bill titled “An Act to establish a legal framework for a free internet access program in designated public areas across Nigeria and for related purposes” was presented for its first reading. Sponsored by Mr. Abubakar Kusada, the representative for the Kankia/Ingawa/Kusada Federal Constituency in Katsina State, the legislation emphasizes Nigeria's recognition of the vital role of information and communications technology in nation-building. Kusada highlighted the commitment to developing infrastructure that ensures reliable and secure internet access for everyone.
Sections of the bill states,“No fee shall be collected from users to connect on the public internet access points. The free internet service provided shall be separate from the internet service used for backend computer systems and programmes, databases, and/or management and information systems in government offices, provided that the shared use of infrastructure shall not be prohibited.”
“Technical solutions that may limit or restrict access shall only be employed where there is a clear and present technical risk or breach that cannot be remedied through ordinary technical solutions, provided that technical solutions that can likewise maintain or promote ease of access shall be prioritized and pursued.”
“NCC and NITDA shall be the lead implementing agencies that will oversee the effective and efficient implementation of this Act. Others include the Nigerian Satellite Communications Limited and the Nigerian Internet Group, an internet advocacy group.