NO LICENCE HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR 5G IN NIGERIA- Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami

In a press release made available to this newspaper, the Honorable Minister for Communications and  Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has drawn the attention of Nigerians about the public concern relating to the health implications, with regards to the deployment of Fifth Generation Mobile Networks (5G) in Nigeria.

He said based on available records at his office and the earlier report received from the regulator, he clarifiedz stating that, 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;

He maintained in the press release that no license has been issued for the deployment of 5G in the country; but rather that A 3-month study trial which commenced on the 25th of November, 2019 in order to critically review and study the health and security implications of deploying 5G in Nigeria.

He stressed 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 and that his office also invited these agencies to participate in the trial; process.

NO LICENCE HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR 5G IN NIGERIA- Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami

In a press release made available to this newspaper, the Honorable Minister for Communications and  Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has drawn the attention of Nigerians about the public concern relating to the health implications, with regards to the deployment of Fifth Generation Mobile Networks (5G) in Nigeria.

He said based on available records at his office and the earlier report received from the regulator, he clarifiedz stating that, 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;

He maintained in the press release that no license has been issued for the deployment of 5G in the country; but rather that A 3-month study trial which commenced on the 25th of November, 2019 in order to critically review and study the health and security implications of deploying 5G in Nigeria.

He stressed that 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

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

His Excellency, President Muhammadu 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.

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.

Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami furthet said that the trial process has been concluded and the study and reporting process is currently ongoing.

He said that His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, places great premium on the welfare, health and security of Nigerians and as such, their desire for technological advancement will never be at the expense of the health and welfare of our citizens.

He however stressed that "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 thanked the general public for reaching out to us on this issue.  We advised all 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.