Nigeria set to deploy 5G network in near future, says Pantami.

I want to give you the assurance that 5G communication network is in the pipeline

     

According to the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Nigeria will shortly implement the 5G network for increased connectivity.

Isa Pantami, the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, stated this in Abuja while appearing on FORUM, a special News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) interview program.

According to the minister, the decision to deploy the 5G network was made after comprehensive investigations, research, and testing determined that it did not pose a security or health risk.

According to him, the national 5G policy is 95 percent complete and will be given to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in the near future.

Mr Pantami blamed the delay in the deployment of the 5G network on conspiracy theories, saying that the government's main focus was to safeguard the security and welfare of Nigerians when using telecoms services.

COVID-19 was linked to the 5G communications network deployment, according to NAN.

"Our government is a listening one; so we listen to constructive criticisms, respect it and appreciate it and at least we value it. “We’d reached advanced stage of 5G, then, an issue came up that 5G was related to COVID-19; many people including the educated ones started circulating it without verification. 

"Naturally, people are a bit scared and sceptical about technology. “So we gave enough time to do more consultation, creating awareness in local languages so as to engage our citizens to address all the challenges. 

"We set up a technical team that accommodated security, health and environmental institutions and the public sector so that we can be on the same page. “I want to give you the assurance that 5G communication network is in the pipeline."

Mr Pantami said that the ministry had started discussions with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) concerning spectrum for commercial purposes. 

"From that spectrum, NCC will give it to mobile operators to start deployment; so, the policy is almost ready. 

"I went to the National Assembly, I defended our presentation and they have accepted and they have also endorsed the deployment of 5G. 

"They have also encouraged us to learn from other countries that have deployed 5G and we have already done that. 

"The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a statement that there is no relationship between 5G network and COVID-19 and that addresses the health issue. 

"Similarly, the International Communications Union (ICU), which is an arm of the UN, also issued another statement debunking any implications from the 5G," Mr Pantami said.