The Federal Government of Nigeria has granted contracts worth N24.20 billion to provide free internet broadband services in 75 public places, including 20 airports, universities, and markets throughout the country. Professor Isa Ali Pantami, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, announced this after the federal executive council meeting chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa. The project will be implemented by the Nigerian Communications Commission and is expected to last between four and five months.
The Minister noted that providing free internet services in universities is necessary due to lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government aims to ensure that students and staff benefit from unlimited internet services. Similarly, free internet access will be provided in airports to alleviate the difficulties passengers face when landing without any connectivity. The objective for markets is to support innovation-driven enterprises championed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, giving global visibility to micro, small, and medium enterprises.
Moreover, the Ministry of Environment received approval for the construction of a Centre of Excellence for environmental restoration in Kana council area of Rivers State and a 100-bed specialist hospital in Ogoni, which aims to facilitate efficient and cost-effective approaches to contamination management and environmental restoration while supporting the well-being and welfare of the people impacted by contamination in those areas.
In addition, the Ministry of Works and Housing received the most significant approval at the Council meeting, with the sum of N95.98 billion approved for two memoranda. The Minister of Transportation, Muazu Jaji Sambo, also received approval for two memoranda, one for the renewal of a management contract for the management of ports facilities and the second for the procurement of two tugboats for operations at the Lekki Deep Seaport, with an aggregate sum of N26.77 billion.
The provision of free internet services in 75 public places, including 20 airports, universities, and markets, will improve connectivity and drive innovation. The Nigerian government’s dedication to its citizens’ welfare is praiseworthy, and the approval of projects that facilitate efficient and cost-effective approaches to contamination management and environmental restoration is a step towards achieving sustainable development in Nigeria
