Yemisi Izuora
The ministry of communications has denied issuing any licenses for the deployment of Fifth Generation Mobile Networks (5G) in Nigeria.
In a statement of clarification the ministry said that the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC), has not deliberated on or released any bulk frequency spectrum for the deployment of 5G and that no license has been issued for the deployment of 5G in the country.
It however noted that 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 and that as part of the study trial process, it 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 statement added that 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.” the statement concluded