The Senate has said that it will investigate the status of the 5G
Communication network in Nigeria and how the technological impact will
affect Nigerians.
Senator Uche Ekwunife sponsored the motion during plenary on Tuesday.
She raised concerns about the uncertainty of whether or not 5G has been
launched in Nigeria.
She further raised concerns by some scientists and medical experts that
the emissions from the 5G towers could adversely affect the health of
citizens by causing symptoms like damage to eyes, antibiotics
resistance, and other physiological effects on the nervous and immune
system.
“Mindful of the recurrent health hazards which are usually associated
with technological advancements such as the 5G network and the need to
conduct a thorough test prior to the deployment of new technology”.
The lawmakers, therefore, mandated its committees on Communication,
Public Health, Science, and Technology to carry out the investigation
and report back within four weeks.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, had on
April 4, 2020, said no licence has been issued for 5G in Nigeria
The Minister’s comment comes amid rumors circulating on social media
that 5G technology causes COVID-19, the coronavirus disease that has put
most of the world on hold.
In a statement obtained by Channels TV, Pantami said the President
Muhammadu Buhari administration will never seek technological
advancement at the expense of the health and welfare of its citizens.
Pantami noted that 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.”
He said a three-month study trial had commenced on November 25, “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.”
Pantami said the trial process has been concluded and the study and
reporting process is currently ongoing.
“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 the government will
always take the welfare, health, and security of the public into account
while considering the deployment of any technology.”