Extending Web Services to Rural Areas
A recent initiative in the House of Representatives aimed at expanding free internet services to designated public areas and rural communities has sparked debate, despite its clearly positive intentions.
The proposed legislation, spearheaded by Abubakar Yahaya Kusada (APC, Kankia/Ingawa/Kusada Federal Constituency, Katsina State), is designed to create a robust framework that ensures previously underserved or excluded populations are granted access to digital connectivity.
The Bill seeks to promote digital inclusion and enable these communities to fully participate in the global digital ecosystem.
The legislation envisions collaboration between government entities and private sector service providers to guarantee internet access for anyone who needs it. Highlighting the importance of the Bill, Kusada stated: “The need for this legislation cannot be overstated.
In today’s global landscape, internet access is not just a communication tool. It is an essential resource for education, employment, innovation, and civic participation.”
During the Bill’s second reading in plenary, Kingsley Ogundu Chinda (PDP, Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency, Rivers State) expressed reservations.
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While acknowledging the merit in providing free internet access, he argued that the objective might be better pursued through policy rather than legislation. “Once we have a law such as this,” Chinda noted, “what it means is that if government fails to provide it, government is going against the law that we have made.”
Nonetheless, the broader issue remains: inclusive internet access is now a necessity in today’s digitally-driven world. The evolution of the telephone from a luxury to a universal tool—now extended to smartphones—underscores this transformation.
Yet, ironically, many rural Nigerian communities remain effectively disconnected from the global digital village due to inadequate or nonexistent internet services.
Rural and semi-urban areas are notably underserved. Where internet access does exist, the quality is often poor. Service providers naturally focus on wealthier areas when expanding infrastructure and services, leaving less profitable regions behind.
This is why the Bill deserves full support. Both federal and state governments should actively partner with telecom and internet service providers to expand digital services into remote areas. Even if full subsidies aren’t feasible, affordable access must be ensured to foster digital inclusion.
Expanding internet infrastructure to rural communities could significantly accelerate development, reduce urban migration, and stimulate local economies.
Benefits include increased employment opportunities, wealth generation, enhanced security, and the preservation of cultural identities—outcomes well worth the investment.
The Bill also serves as a call to action for policymakers to treat digital infrastructure as an essential service, on par with roads, water, healthcare, education, and agriculture—critical components regularly funded in government budgets. As such, it represents a powerful tool for driving rapid rural development.
Content Credit | Agbetan Bisola
Image Credit | vanguardngr.com
