5G in Nigeria: FG to take action after consultation

Admin l Tuesday, April 07, 2020

ABUJA, Nigeria- The Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has said that the Federal Government will not make any hasty decision on the 5G internet network, but that government will take action after a thorough consultation with experts and stakeholders.

Patanmi also said that the Federal Government has not issued any licence for the deployment of 5G in Nigeria. The Minister said in a statement that the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC), of which he is Chairman has neither deliberated nor released any bulk frequency spectrum for the deployment of 5G.

” No license has been issued for the deployment of 5G in the country”, but that a 3-month study trial commenced on the 25th 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, the minister said 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 and that his office also invited relevant agencies to participate in the trial.

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“The trial process has been concluded and the study and reporting process is currently ongoing”, he said, stressing that President Muhammadu Buhari 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.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”, he said.