No licence has been issued for 5G network in Nigeria – Minister

The federal government has said that no licence has been issued for the deployment and operation of Fifth Generation Mobile Networks (5G network) in Nigeria, THE WITNESS reports.

Numerous conspiracy theories shared on and off social media claim that 5G mobile networks are the cause of coronavirus pandemic and also that efforts are in top gear to launch the network in Nigeria

But in a statement by the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami and made available to THE WITNESS on Saturday, said against online reports, the Nigerian government commenced a 3-month study trial on the 5G network on 25th of November, 2019 “in order to critically review and study the health and security implications of the network. The statement further added that the government is still studying the trial and reporting process is currently ongoing.

“Based on available records at my office and the earlier report received from the regulator, I would like to clarify 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.

“The trial process has been concluded and the study and reporting process is currently ongoing,” Pantami noted.

Pantami further said that President Muhammadu Buhari, places “a premium on the welfare, health and security of Nigerians and as such, its 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,” the minister said.