The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali-Pantami, has urged Nigerians to disregard speculations about the purported health hazards associated with the deployment of Fifth Generation Mobile Networks, 5G, saying that the technology has not been licensed in the country.
The minister made the clarification on Saturday while reacting to the growing speculations about the health implications of deploying the 5G technology in the country.
According to the minister, the National Frequency Management Council, NFMC, which he chairs, has not released any bulk frequency spectrum, much less granted the license for the deployment of the technology in the country.
He said: “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,” the statement noted.
The minister disclosed that the Federal Government’s desire for technological advancement would never be at the expense of the health and welfare of its citizens, adding that “President Muhammadu Buhari placed a premium on the welfare, health, and security of Nigerians”.
He said: “Government will not act on the speculations only, but rather we will make 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 the government will always take the welfare, health and security of the public into account while considering the deployment of any technology.”
