The Federal Government says it has not issued licence for the Fifth Generation Mobile Networks (5G) in the country.
Concerns have been raised by the public on social media on the health implications of the networks on the citizenry.
However, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ibrahim, said in a statement on Saturday that the 5G network was still in the trial stage and that experts were monitoring it to determine its safety.
He said: “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:
“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.
“The trial process has been concluded and the study and reporting process is currently ongoing.”
The minister assured that President Muhammadu Buhari places a premium on the welfare, health and security of Nigerians.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
