The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N5.25 billion for the provision of Internet facilities at some selected markets in the country.

Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, stated that this initiative is to support micro, small and medium enterprises.

The FEC also approved N18.95 billion for the provision of Internet facilities at 20 airports and some institutions of learning across the country.

Pantami, who spoke on the outcome of the Council meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday in Abuja, said the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) will spearhead the provision of the Internet facilities at the designated airports, institutions and markets.

According to him, the Internet broadband will be provided for free for use by passengers coming to the airports, adding that a sustainability model has been developed for effective maintenance of the facilities.

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He also announced that 43 higher institutions of learning would be linked to the Internet facility.

He said: “Internet will be provided in 20 selected airports in Nigeria and higher institutions of learning as well as some markets to support micro, small and medium enterprises.

“Some of them are universities, some polytechnics and the price for the contract which covers the airports and institutions of learning is N18.95 billion.

“The second approval was for the provision of broadband to some selected markets, at the cost of N5.25 billion.

“The total for both memos is N24.20 billion and the project is going to be implemented by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC),” he explained.

The Star