MINISTER of Communications & Digital Economy, Dr. Ali Ibrahim Pantami during the weekend said that report of the deployment of the controversial Fifth Generation Network otherwise known as 5G is ready.
The minister however, said that the network will not be installed until experts from relevant sectors scrutinize and recommend its deployment in the country.
According to report, the minister made the remarks while in a virtual Annual General Meeting and Induction of new members by the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPRN).
Pantami listed professionals from the Health, Telecom, Information & Communication Technology (ICT), Engineering, Defence, Financial as well as media sectors amongst others that must also scrutinize and give recommendations prior to its deployment.
“There must be unanimous decision from chosen experts from all the country’s major sectors before the government can give go ahead for 5G network.
“But if it is found to be unsafe for deployment in the country, we will not deploy it”, the minister said.
He said that though the 5G network is vital and has overwhelming advantages, however, overall safety of citizens is overriding adding that if the experts after thorough examination recommend its deployment, government will go ahead to approve it.
Also speaking on the keynote lecture titled “Adoption of 5G network in Nigeria: The technological and Regulatory challenges”, Engr. Uche Osuji, a senior manager in MTN Nigeria said that telecoms operators in the country are set for the deployment of 5G in the country adding that the upgrade will positively transform the Nigeria’s economy beyond imaginations.