FG allays fear linking 5G to Coronavirus

• Says no licence yet issued for 5G in Nigeria

By Omobayo Azeez

Responding to barrage of unconfirmed information making round, particularly on social media, that introduction of Fifth Generation Mobile Networks (5G) may be responsible for Coronavirus, the Federal Government of Nigeria has allayed such fears.

Isa Pantami, minister for communication and digital economy, said in a statement on Saturday that up till the moment, no license has been issued for the deployment of 5G in the country.

“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,” he said

Based on available records at his office and the earlier report received from the regulator, Pantami clarified 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;

He recalled that 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.

He added that as part of the study trial process, he 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.

“The trial process has been concluded and the study and reporting process is currently ongoing,” he said.

Pantami assures that President Muhammadu Buhari, places a premium on the welfare, health and security of Nigerians, adding that government’s desire for technological advancement will never be at the expense of the health and welfare of the 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,” he said.