NITDA FRAMEWORK AND GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC INTERNET ACCESS

Guidelines establish a framework for providing and regulating public internet access points in libraries and community centers to promote digital inclusion in Nigeria. They target government agencies, private providers, and citizens using these services, with NITDA as the regulator. This ensures affordable access in underserved areas while maintaining security.

What Is This Policy?

NITDA guidelines establishing the framework for providing and regulating public internet access points (e.g., at libraries, community centres, and government buildings) to expand digital inclusion in Nigeria.

Who Does It Target?

Government agencies establishing public internet access points Private sector providers of public Wi-Fi Citizens accessing public internet services NITDA as the regulatory authority

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Expand affordable public internet access across Nigeria, particularly in underserved communities, while ensuring security and appropriate use policies are in place.

Key Features

Deployment Standards: Prescribes technical standards for public internet access points in government buildings and public spaces. Security Requirements: Mandates security measures for public internet access including content filtering and user authentication. Usage Policies: Provides acceptable use policy templates for public internet access points. Monitoring: Requires monitoring of public internet access points for security and performance.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Public internet access points nationwide Beneficiaries: Citizens without home internet access; digital inclusion Funding: Federal Government; private sector partnerships

How to Access

Members of the public: access public internet at designated government access points Service providers: comply with NITDA standards before establishing public access Authentication may be required for access to public government Wi-Fi Application method: Access guidelines and public access points through https://www.nitda.gov.ng

Important Terms

Public internet access must not be used for illegal activities Content filtering is mandatory on government-provided public access points NITDA may audit public access points for compliance with guidelines

Official Resources

Website: https://www.nitda.gov.ng Contact: National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)

Legal Framework

Issued under the National Information Technology Development Agency Act 2007, which empowers NITDA to issue guidelines, frameworks, and standards for ICT development in Nigeria. Operates alongside the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, and the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy 2020-2030. Draws on the Broadband Plan for Nigeria, the Universal Access and Universal Service Fund framework of the NCC, and international standards for public Wi-Fi and broadband access.