The minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami has said there is no 5G network in Nigeria yet because licenses and spectrum for it have not been awarded to any operator.
The minister’s clarification came in response to growing rumours that the Covid-19 is caused by 5G networks.
The minister in a press release today said no license has been issued for the deployment of 5G in the country, adding that a three-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 has not been concluded.
He further said the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC), which he chairs has not deliberated on or released any bulk frequency spectrum for the deployment of 5G.
According to him the study trial process, which the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) ensured that a team of experts, security agencies and other stakeholders fully participated.
He said though the trial had been concluded the study and reporting process was currently ongoing.
He said President Muhammadu Buhari, places a premium on the welfare, health and security of Nigerians and as such, Nigeria’s 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”.
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:
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.
