ICTworks

Digital technology offers Nigeria the opportunity to grow and diversify its economy from the overdependence on oil & gas export proceeds. The Nigerian government recognizes that broadband Internet access is key to unlocking digital economic growth and created the Nigerian National Broadband Plan 2020 – 2025.

The Plan is designed to encourage data download speeds across Nigeria of a minimum 25Mbps in urban areas and 10Mbps in rural areas, with effective coverage available to at least 90% of the population by 2025 at a price not more than N390 per 1GB of data (i.e. 2% of median income or 1% of minimum wage).

7 Free Public WiFi Initiatives in Nigeria

The Nigerian government will provide free broadband Internet access in 75 public places, including 20 airports, 43 university campuses, and six marketplaces in the 36 states of the Federation. In addition, multiple Nigerian State Governments are deploying free public Internet access points across the country using the WiFi open standard protocol to allow their constituents to get online.

Please tell us of other WiFi initiatives and we’ll update this post. We’ve only been able to find and verify the seven options listed below.

Anambra State: Solution Wi-Fi initiative was launched by the Anambra State government in February 2024 to provide free Wi-Fi in three strategic locations in Awka: Aroma Junction, Book Foundation, and UNIZIK Back Gate. Users get one hour of free internet access every 24 hours. The broader vision includes collaboration with development partners to provide broadband access to schools and public libraries.

Lagos State: Parks Wi-Fi introduced by Lagos State in May 2017, provides free public Wi-Fi Internet access across several parks, including the Ndubuisi Kanu Park in Ikeja and Muri-Okunola Park on Victoria Island. The Smart City initiative allows visitors to access the internet for free while enjoying the parks, thereby enhancing recreational experiences and bridging the digital divide within the state.

Ekiti State: Public Parks Internet Project: As part of its digital transformation agenda, Ekiti State has rolled out free public Wi-Fi in various government offices and public parks to improve internet accessibility for its residents in 2023. This is part of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone initiative to transform the region into a hub for digital innovation and knowledge economy with AfDB funding in 2024.

Edo State: Free Wi-Fi Initiative: The Edo State Government launched 24-hour free Wi-Fi service in June 2023, that covers various public Ministry, Department, and Agency offices and recreational spots within the state, starting with Benin City. This service aims to improve government-citizen engagement and provide residents with better access to digital services.

Rivers State: GovSim Network introduced free Wi-Fi Internet Service for public areas in November 2023 starting in the Port Harcourt township at the Lagos bus stop and Old Port Harcourt Town axis. Nigerians can choose GovSim network 1, 2, or 3.

Ogun State: WiFi Enabled Buses will help commuters in the state capital, Abeokuta, and those going to Lagos stay connected. There may be a free public Wi-Fi initiative to provide free internet access to residents and visitors in various public areas.

Raven Bank: Feather Internet Initiative provides free Wi-Fi Internet across Nigerian campuses, starting with the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education in August 2023, and extending to the University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University, and University of Nigeria, Nsukka. This initiative aims to empower over 400,000 students by providing high-speed internet access, thus enhancing their academic performance and reducing the digital divide in educational institutions.

Again, please tell us of other free public WiFi initiatives in Nigeria.

We echo the findings and frustrations of the Free and Public WiFi Initiatives in Africa, Asia and the Pacific report. Many entities use free public WiFi initiatives as a form of marketing, but their commitment does not extend to long-term financial sustainability. In addition, there isn’t much follow-up to assess project success or evaluate the impact of free public WiFi initiatives on people’s lives.

NITDA Regulates Free WIFI in Nigeria

The Nigerian National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is implementing the Public Internet Access Regulation Framework to ensure quality, accessible, and secure public internet services across Nigeria. This framework aims to regulate the establishment and operation of public internet access points, such as cybercafés and public Wi-Fi hotspots.

Key aspects of the PIA regulation framework include:

• Regulation and Licensing: Establishing requirements for licensing and operating public internet access points to ensure compliance with standards.
• Security and Privacy: Implementing measures to safeguard users’ data and privacy at public internet access points.
• Quality of Service: Setting standards for the quality of internet services provided to the public.
• Accessibility: Promoting the availability of internet services in underserved and rural areas.

Users should always inquire if free WiFi Internet access services are duly registered with NITDA and meet all minimum requirements to offer free public internet access securely in Nigeria. Only registered, verified, and vetted providers can provide public internet access service in Nigeria and they are required to submit completed compliance reporting forms bi-annually.