Nigeria ready to deploy 5G networks for improved connectivity, says Minister

*The Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy has started discussions with the Nigerian Communications Commission concerning spectrum for commercial purposes, as the national policy on deployment of 5G technology is almost ready, says Dr. Isa Ali Pantami

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Sequel to the government’s decision to deploy 5G networks after an outcome of thorough investigations, research and trial absolving it of posing security or health threat to consumers, the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy has disclosed that Nigeria is 95 percent set to deploy the Fifth Generation Network (5G) for increased connectivity in the country.

Dr. Isa Ali Pantami, Honourable Minister for Communications and Digital Economy, stated this development when he featured on ‘Forum’, a special News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) interview programme in Abuja, FCT, recently.

Dr. Isa Ali Pantami, Honourable Minister for Communications and Digital Economy

The Minister noted that the decision to deploy the 5G networks followed an outcome of thorough investigations, research and trial absolving it of posing security or health threat.

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Dr. Pantami indicated that work on the National Policy on 5G stands at 95 percent done, and will be presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in due course.

Why the delay in deployment of 5G networks

The Minister, who noted that the primary concern of government is to ensure security and welfare of Nigerians in their utilisation of services in the telecoms sector, blamed the relative delay in the deployment of 5G technology on conspiracy theories.

According to him, there are concerns that COVID-19 is associated with the deployment of the 5G communications networks.

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He explained: “Our government is a listening one; so we listen to constructive criticism, respect 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.”

L-R: Dr. Isa Ali Pantami, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta (NCC) and Malam Kashifu I. Abdullahi (NITDA) at NASS on 5G Networks

The Nigerian Minister for Communications and Digital Economy further said: “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.”

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Pantami further disclosed the Ministry has started discussions with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) concerning spectrum for commercial purposes.

He stated: “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 (NASS), 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.”

Pantami also said:  “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 Telecommunications Union (ITU), which is an arm of the UN, also issued another statement debunking any toxic health implications from the 5G.”

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