The Federal Government has debunked claims that the Fifth Generation Mobile Networks, 5G, in Nigeria, saying that it has not issued any license for its installation.
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The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, made this known in a statement released on Saturday.
Assuring on the efforts of the federal government to serve Nigerians better, the minister said: “The attention of my office has been drawn to the public concern about the health implication of the Fifth Generation Mobile Networks (5G) in Nigeria. Based on the available records at my office and the earlier report received from the regulator, I would like to clarify as follow:
- 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 Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure that a team of experts, security agencies and other stakeholders fully participated in the trial process and my office also invited these agencies to participate in the trial; and
- The trial has been concluded and reporting process is currently ongoing.
Pantami further stated: “His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, places a premium, 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 speculations only, but rather we will take an informed decision on 5G after due consultations 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.
Pantamis’ statement is coming in the wake of the call by Nigerians calling for the 5G Network not to be allowed in Nigeria after footages appeared online of some countries of the world where 5G masts were reportedly erected.
The footages also showed the masts being destroyed as there were claims as some 5G conspiracy theorists contend that the new network generates radiofrequency radiation that can damage DNA and lead to cancer; cause oxidative damage that can bring about premature ageing; disrupt cell metabolism, and potentially lead to other diseases through the generation of stress proteins.
