Isa Pantami, Nigeria’s minister of communications and digital economy, on Saturday, 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 press statement obtained by The Trent, 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,” the minister said.
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 government will always take the welfare, health and security of the public into account while considering the deployment of any technology.”
The Real Public Danger
Osun State residents panic as six persons who tested positive escaped from isolation centre at Gedu in the Ejigbo area of the state.
According to news reports, the state has launch manhunt for the six persons who escaped from the isolation centre on Friday, April 3, 2020.
When the chief press secretary to the governor, Ismail Omipidan was contacted on phone, his line was not reachable as at the time of filing this report.
The Osun State government has launched a manhunt for six persons with confirmed infection of COVID-19 who escaped from an isolation centre in Ejigbo on Friday night.
The six persons belong to a cluster of COVID-19 cases who returned to their hometown, Ejigbo, from Ivory Coast last week and were quarantined by the state government.
A statement from the government which disclosed this gave the names of the six persons with their phone numbers.
The announcement enlisted the names and phone numbers of the six infected persons; LAWAL Waliyulah, Masifa Ejigbo. 08063691573; LASISI Murafat, Olugbodi’s Ejigbo, +22505368845; Ganiyat Alabi. 08075441187; Yusuff Afees, Ile Alawe, Ejigbo. 07011196193; Isola Abibat, Ile Olori, Ejigbo. 08055905010; Nua Oyeleye, Ile Jesu, Oguro Ejigbo, 08109375276 and, Juel Olasupo, Ile Baale Ejigbo, 08149584397.
