Nigerian Govt denies issuing licence For 5G Network deployment amid health concerns

The Nigerian government has issued a statement denying the issuance of the 5G license to any mobile telecommunications company in the country.

The press statement was made by Dr Isa Patanmi, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy yesterday. He did this in part to allay the fears of the public arising from claims that 5G was linked to the novel coronavirus.

5G is the fifth generation of wireless communications technologies supporting cellular data networks. Large scale adoption began in 2019 and today virtually every telecommunication service provider in the developed world is upgrading its infrastructure to offer 5G functionality.

The Minister said 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 also assured the public that the Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari places a premium on the welfare, health and security of Nigerians.

The social media has been awash with stories claiming that there was a link between 5G and coronavirus.

Guys they have installed 5G in Nigeria and that is what is making the Rain so heavy lately .

— Bizzle Osikoya (@bizzleosikoya) April 3, 2020

Whether it is true or not that they are already laying cables of 5G in Nigeria or not. Govt must not allow it in Nigeria and should take a proactive step in that regard. 4G that is here in Nigeria sef na problem. 3G dey do everything i need i beg… We must watch out…

— Senator Dino Melaye. (SDM) (@dino_melaye) April 3, 2020

Here is the full statement from the Minister.

NO LICENCE HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR 5G IN NIGERIA 

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. Based on available records at my office and the earlier report received from the regulator, I would like to clarify as follows:

i. 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;

ii. No license has been issued for the deployment of 5G in the country;

iii. 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; 

iv. 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

v. The trial process has been concluded and the study and reporting process is currently ongoing.

His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, places a 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.

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.

Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), FNCS, FBCS, FIIM

Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy

4th of April 2020