FG Approves N654m To Track Down Illegal Spectrums

The Federal Government on Wednesday approved N653.89m for the purchase and deployment of spectrum monitoring system for the southeastern part of the country.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Federal Executive Council presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, discloaed this to State House correspondents at the end of the meeting.

The minister said investigation carried out in the five geo-political zones of the country revealed that out of the 320 frequencies in use, 106 were illegal.

He said those responsible for the illegal frequencies would be prosecuted.

The minister said, “The Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy sought the approval of council for deployment of hybrid spectrum monitoring system, most importantly to focus on the southeastern zone of the country.

“From January to August 2020, within the period of eight months, we discovered 320 frequencies being used all over the country and of this 320, 106 are illegal.

“This is very worrisome because the usage of these illegal spectrums or frequencies will compromise our security and safety in the country.

“We discovered that our monitoring did not cover the South-East. It covered five zones – North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-West and South-South. However, South East has not been covered.”

He added, “We presented our memo, seeking for council’s approval of N653,886,584 to procure and deploy hybrid spectrum monitoring system that will cover the southern part of the country, most importantly the South-East.”

Pantami said with the approval, the project would go a long way in promoting safety and security; identifying the usage of illegal spectrum; and enhancing revenue for the Federal Government.