Minister speaks on deployment of 5G in Nigeria

 

BY OUR EDITOR

Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, says the Federal Government is awaiting the report of a three-month study trial conducted for the 5G technology in the country.

The study trial, according to the minister, commenced November 25, 2019.

In a statement he issued on Saturday, the minister said the Federal Government has neither issued any licence nor released any bulk frequency spectrum for the deployment of 5G.

Dr Pantami was addressing fears about the health implications of the deployment of Fifth Generation Mobile Networks (5G) in Nigeria. The 5G technology has been linked to the coronavirus pandemic currently ravaging the world, by some theorists.

Said the Minister: “Based on available records at my office and the earlier report received from the regulator, I would like to clarify as follows:

1. The National Frequency Management Council (NFMC), of which I am the Chairman, has not deliberated on or released any bulk frequency spectrum for the deployment of 5G
2. No license has been issued for the deployment of 5G in the country

“A 3-month study trial commenced on the 25^th of November, 2019 in order to critically review and study the health and security implications of deploying 5G in Nigeria.

“As part of the study trial process, I directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure that a team of experts, security agencies and other stakeholders fully participate in the trial process and my office also invited these agencies to participate in the trial.

“The trial process has been concluded and the study and reporting process is currently ongoing.”

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Pantami said that President Muhammadu Buhari placed a premium on the welfare, health and security of Nigerians and as such, the country’s desire for technological advancement will never be at the expense of the health and welfare of the citizenry.

“Government will not act on the speculations only, but rather we will take an informed decision on 5G after due consultation with experts and the public.  I have also directed the NCC to engage citizens on any questions or concerns they may have regarding 5G.

“I wish to thank the general public for reaching out to us on this issue.  We advise you all to remain rest assured that government will always take the welfare, health and security of the public into account while considering the deployment of any technology,” the minister said.