Reps propose free Internet for public schools, hospitals

The House of Representatives has taken initial steps to provide free internet services in selected public places for Nigerians.

This follows the passage of a bill last week during its first reading 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,” sponsored by Mr. Abubakar Kusada, the representative of Kankia/Ingawa/Kusada Federal Constituency, Katsina State.

Rallying support for the bill, Kusada noted that Nigeria recognizes the vital role of information and communications technology in nation-building, and emphasized the policy to “promote an environment for the development of structures that would ensure availability and accessibility to reliable and secure internet access.”

A copy of the bill obtained by The PUNCH shows that public places covered under the proposed law include federal, state, and local government…