Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday in Abuja at the launch trial of the 5G Network by MTN Communications, a leading network operator in Nigeria, gave Nigerians the assurance that they will get the full benefits derivable from the deployment of 5G in the country.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Ali Ibrahim Pantami, who conveyed Buhari’s message, added that the Federal Government will give full support to the initiative even as it looks forward to tapping the promise of 5G, especially in addressing security challenges of the nation.
MTN Nigeria, yesterday demonstrated the 5G telecommunications services in Nigeria at its Regional Office in Maitama Abuja. The demonstration was witnessed by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Ali Ibrahim Pantami; Chairman, NCC Board, Otunba Olabiyi Durojaiye; Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta; Chairman MTN Board, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe; Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Telecommunications, Hon. Adeniyi Adeyemi and his deputy, Hon. Unyime Idem; former Secretary for Health in the Interim National Government, Prince Adelusi Adeluyi; Muhammad Ahmad, pioneer Director-General of National Pension Commission and many other stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which enthusiastically supervised the execution of the proof of concept trial, stated that 5G will herald the Nigerian economy into a fully-digitised and knowledge-based economy.
The regulatory body also assured that it will consult widely with stakeholders in developing the right regulatory framework for 5G rollout in Nigeria, adding that it is not oblivious of the global concerns around 5G network security vulnerabilities.
“In line with our participatory regulation approach, we will consult widely with stakeholders in developing the right regulatory framework for 5G rollout in Nigeria. We are not oblivious of the global concerns around 5G network security vulnerabilities and we will be working with our parent Ministry and security agencies to develop measures to ensure a high level of cybersecurity of 5G networks,” the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta said.
In keeping with its noted commitment to regulatory excellence, the NCC had set aside and dedicated specific spectrum bands to network operators for the trial of 5G telecom services, preparatory to the commercial launch of 5G in Nigeria by 2020.
In the fourth quarter of 2018, the NCC enhanced the efforts by organising a workshop in Abuja, in collaboration with the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), to map out strategies for 5G technology that will usher in a much faster broadband experience in the country.
The non-commercial trial of 5G gives concrete expression and credence to NCC’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerians are able to access all variants of telecommunications services as they unfold and in line with their needs.