FG okays N24.2bn free Internet for 20 airports, varsities, markets

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.

According to him, the free internet services will cover airports, public universities and markets spread across the 36 states of the federation and Abuja.

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The Council also approved two major contracts for the construction of a Centre of Excellence for environmental restoration in Kana Local Government Area of Rivers State and a 100-bed specialist hospital in Ogoni.

According to the Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi, the projects are aimed at facilitating efficient and cost-effective approaches to contamination management and environmental restoration, while supporting the well-being and welfare of the people who have been impacted by the negative effects of contamination in those areas.

Other memos approved at the weekly meeting of FEC include the approval for contract for the dualization of the roads bordering Ekiti and Ondo States worth over N95 billion with a completion period of 54 months.

The Ministry of Aviation also got approval for the construction of a 150-room capacity hostel worth over N2 billion, according to the Minister of Information and Culture, who briefed journalists on behalf of the Minister, Hadi Sirika.