We Did 3-months 5G Trial But No Licence Has Been Issued – Minister

Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, has said that the country had in 2019 conducted a 3-month study trial of 5G mobile network in order to critically review and study the health and security implications of deploying the network in Nigeria.

He stated this following speculations making the round that the 5G network was already operational in Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Some Nigerians including former senator, Dino Melaye had took to the mini website, twitter to protest the purported deployment of the Fifth Generation Mobile Networks (5G), calling for its demobilization.

Specifically, Melaye, in a tweet, said that the 5G network which he claimed has been mounted in some parts of Nigeria, is evil, it kills the immune system, affects the respiratory system, causes cancer and hypertension and indirectly causing the deaths of coronavirus patients.

But reacting to the speculations, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, said that the Federal Government place a premium on the welfare, health and security of Nigerians and would not in its desire for technological advancement be part of anything that would hinder the health and welfare of citizens.

The statement reads in full below.

“The attention of my office has been drawn to the public concern about the health implications of the deployment of Fifth Generation Mobile Networks (5G) in Nigeria. Based on available records at my office and the earlier report received from the regulator, I would like to clarify as follows:

“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 licence 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; and

“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”.