No license has been issued for the deployment of Fifth Generation Mobile Networks (5G) in Nigeria, according to Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, who dispelled public concern about the health implications of its reported deployment in the country.
In a statement issued on April 4, 2020, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy said clarified that based on available records at his office and the earlier report received from the regulator, the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC), of which he is the Chairman, has not deliberated on or released any bulk frequency spectrum for the deployment of 5G and that no license has been issued for the deployment of 5G in the country.
The Minister also disclosed that as part of the study trial process, he directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure that a team of experts, security agencies and other stakeholders fully participate in the trial process. He added that his office also invited these agencies to participate in the trial and that the trial process has been concluded and the study and reporting process is currently ongoing.
Dr Pantami stated that “His Excellency, President Muhammad Buhari, GCFR, places a premium on the welfare, health and security of Nigerians. As such, our desire for technological advancement will never be at the expense of the health and welfare of our citizens.
The government will not act on the speculations only, but rather we will make 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.”
While thanking the general public for reaching out to his Ministry on this issue, he advised all citizens to be rest assured that government will always take the welfare, health and security of the public into account while considering the deployment of any technology.
