The Federal government says no license has so far
been issued for 5G deployment in the country. In a statement issued on Saturday
by the Spokesperson to the minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mrs.
Uwa Suleiman, the minister said he was worried by the public concern about the
health implications of the deployment of the Fifth Generation Mobile Networks
(5G) in Nigeria and affirmed that the National Frequency Management Council
(NFMC), of which he is the chairman had not deliberated on or released any bulk frequency spectrum for the deployment of 5G in Nigeria.
The minister maintained that no license has been issued for the deployment of
5G anywhere in the country, as the ministry is currently at the stage of
studying and reporting the a 3-month study trial conducted by the ministry is
ongoing. The study, according to the statement, was sequel to a directive by
the minister to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on 25th November,
2019 to ensure that a team of experts, security agencies and other stakeholders
fully participate in the trial process. The statement reads in part: ‘’The
attention of my office has been drawn to the public concern about the health
implications of the deployment of Fifth Generation Mobile Networks (5G) in
Nigeria. Based on available records at my office and the earlier report
received from the regulator. ‘’I would like to clarify as follows that: 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; no license has been issued for the deployment of 5G in the country.
‘‘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, 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; and ‘‘The trial process has been concluded and the study and reporting
process is currently ongoing.’’ For Pantami, President Muhammadu Buhari, places
a premium on the welfare, health and security of Nigerians, insisting that he
would not allow his desires for technological advancement at the expense of the
health and welfare of our citizens. He noted that government will not act on
speculations only, but rather take an informed decision on 5G after due
consultation with experts and the public. While thanking the general public for
reaching out to the ministry on this issue, he assured them that government
will always take the welfare, health and security of the public into account
while considering the deployment of any technology. ‘‘I have also directed the
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to engage citizens on any questions
or concerns they may have regarding 5G,’’ the minister said.
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