Free Wi-Fi: Think Before You Connect This Festive Season

By Uchechi Okporie

As Christmas Day, December 25, approaches, people are being advised to think carefully before connecting to free Wi-Fi or accepting internet connections from others.

Efe Osagie from Benin City gave this advice while speaking to Next Africa Daily during an interview on 19 October 2026.

Osagie explained that many people are happy when they can use the internet without spending money on data. However, he warned that people should not allow the excitement of getting free internet to make them careless.

He advised people to be careful about who they accept internet connections from and to pay attention to their online safety.

He also spoke about a woman who asked someone to share an internet connection with her and later experienced a money-related problem. The details of the incident would need to be confirmed before linking the problem directly to the internet connection.

With Christmas and the New Year approaching, people may be looking for different opportunities and ways to save money. Osagie encouraged them to remain careful when using their phones and accessing online services.

He also advised people who do not understand internet or computer services to ask questions and learn instead of using them without knowing the possible risks.

People should protect their banking details, passwords, PINs and one-time passwords (OTPs). They should also avoid suspicious links and fake websites and contact their bank if they notice any unusual transactions.

As the festive season approaches, the message is simple: free internet may save money, but people should always think about their safety before connecting.