The minister of communications, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has made it clear that the federal government’s desire to embrace technology will not be at the expense of the good health of its citizens.
He stressed: “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.”
The minister, who responded to reports that the federal government had deployed G5 applications in Nigeria, capable of aiding the spread of coronavirus, said that he had already directed the Nigeria Communities Commission (NCC) to engage citizens on any questions or concerns they may have regarding 5G.
“His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, places a premium on the welfare, health and security of Nigerians.”
He acknowledged the fear expressed by Nigerians about the health implications of the deployment of Fifth Generation Mobile Networks (5G) in Nigeria, saying that the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC), of which he is the Chairman, has not deliberated on or released any bulk frequency spectrum for the deployment of 5G.
Pantami said that as at now no license has been issued for the deployment of 5G in the country.
He acknowledged however that there was three-month study trial which 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 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.”
Pantami thanked the general public for reaching out to him on this issue, and advised Nigerians 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.
