FEC approves N24.2bn for Free Internet at Airports, Varsities, Others

The federal government has approved two contracts worth N24.20 billion for the provision of broadband for free internet in 75 public places including 20 airports, tertiary institutions and markets across the country.

This was disclosed to newsmen on Wednesday by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Pantami, after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, which was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Abuja.

The free internet services, the minister said will cover airports, public universities and markets spread across the 36 states of the federation and Abuja.

According to him, states like Lagos and Ondo in the South-West; Imo, Anambra, Enugu in the South-East; Rivers and Akwa Ibom for the South-South; Abuja and Kwara for the North Central; Kano, Sokoto and Kebbi for the North-West; Adamawa, Maiduguri and Gombe for North-East will enjoy the free broadband for passengers coming into those airports, particularly to ease the communication challenge and make online transactions.

FEC had earlier approved a similar memo for the provision of unlimited internet in 18 universities in the first phase of the project.

The N24.20 billion naira project is to be implemented by the Nigerian Communications Commission in five months.