No Licence Issued For 5G Network in Nigeria

Following rising public concern about the health implications of the deployment of Fifth Generation Mobile Networks (5G) in Nigeria, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Dr Isa Pantami has said that no Licence has yet been issued on 5G networks.

In a statement signed by Minister and made available to Economic Confidential in Abuja, he said based on available records at his office and the earlier report received from the regulator, government 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 license 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.

He also said that President Muhammadu Buhari, places 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.

He noted that 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.