NCC organises capacity building for media executives on 5G deployment

*The Nigerian Communications Commission says the workshops are expected to position the media to be able to accurately report issues around 5G technology through explanatory, incisive, analytical, and evidence-based reportage

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

As Nigeria anticipates deployment of the Fifth Generation (5G) networks 2022, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said it organised capacity-building workshops for media executives in the Northern and Southern parts of the country,

The telecoms sector regulatory Commission said the workshops were part of efforts at supporting continuous professional development of critical stakeholders in the telecommunications industry in Nigeria.

The NCC stated the recent workshops, which took place in Kano and Lagos with the theme: “5G Deployment and the Next Level of Nigeria’s Development”, provided an avenue for media stakeholders to have better knowledge and understanding of the potentials of the new technology.

The Commission also stated that the workshops, in turn, are expected to position the journalists to be able to accurately report issues around 5G, through explanatory, incisive, analytical, and evidence-based reportage.

The media stakeholders would also be able to clarify misconceptions and misinformation on the new technology, said Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Director of Public Affairs.

Adinde further noted through the workshops, the regulatory Commission believes the journalists would be able to focus on how 5G would impact different sectors of the economy, including agriculture, e-commerce, e-banking, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), education, healthcare, tourism and hospitality, security, entertainment including the music and movie industries and other aspects of Digital Nigeria.

Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, speaking at the two workshops, said in his opening address that the theme of the workshops was most apt at a time when the Commission is on full throttle to drive the implementation of 5G deployment in the country, following the approval of the Federal Government September 8, 2021.

Delivering his address at the Kano and Lagos workshops through Dr. Adinde and Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, Head of Online Media at NCC respectively, Prof. Danbatta said the workshops were organised to equip the media stakeholders with greater insights and knowledge around 5G in order to improve their overall understanding of the new technology, its usage, opportunities and the benefits it offers for the overall development of Nigeria’s socio-economic life.

A group photograph at the programme

The NCC EVC/CEO said in his address: “As we progress in our journey of 5G deployment, the media has a critical role in the process by ensuring proper and adequate reportage of the programmes and activities of the Commission as it unfolds the 5G Deployment Plan of the Federal Government.” Nigeria’s promising 5G Plan has the objectives of ensuring efficient assignment of spectrum for 5G deployment, creating an enabling environment for investment in the telecoms industry, ensuring effective deployment of 5G to cover major urban cities by 2025, among others,” said he.

Danbatta stated: “In line with the objectives of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2025 for a Digital Nigeria, and the positioning of Nigeria as an early adopter of digital technology in the growing global digital economy, the successful and timely deployment of 5G is crucial and it is expected that the roll-out of the 5G will be carried out in phases beginning with major cities in the country, where there is need for high-quality broadband.”

The Commission also made technical presentations to journalists at the workshops focusing on how the Commission is setting the stage for 5G journey, in terms of requirements, deployment, use cases, and possible challenges which it is working with relevant stakeholders to tackle for effective implementation of 5G Deployment Plan for Nigeria.

Likewise, Bako Wakil, Director of Technical Standard and Network Integrity of the Commission, made the technical presentation to media stakeholders at the Kano workshop, while Tony Ikemefuna, NCC’s Head of Fixed Network and Converged Services, handled the delivery of the presentation at the Lagos workshop.

The Commission also noted during the technical sessions in Kano and Lagos, the media stakeholders were adequately informed about 5G characteristics, such as enhanced mobile broadband, ultra-reliable low latency and speed, “explaining to them that 5G will facilitate several emerging technologies, including Internet of Things (IoT), Machine-to-Machine communication, among others.”

According to NCC, the media professionals also took the opportunity to ask several questions and clarify conflicting issues bordering on security and health implications of 5G deployment in the West African country.