Pantami “Nigeria will not allow misuse of 5G technology”

Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami says Nigeria is ensuring that 5G technology is not exploited after it goes into effect.

Pantami spoke when he received the Security and Emergency Managememt Award (SAEMA) for his implementation of policies against cyber attacks and related crimes.

Executive Secretary, Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), Air Commmodore Yusuf Anas Retired commended the minister for facilitating projects protecting internet users and countering criminals’ activities.

The CCC boss noted that establishment of the Computer Emergency Response and Readiness Team (CERRT) had increased Nigeria’s cybersecurity capacity.

The CERRT, domiciled at the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), monitors the cyberspace to detect and mitigate potential threats and attacks.

Anas also hailed the upgrade and activation Emergency Communication Centres (ECCs) by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

In his remarks, Pantami recalled that since assuming office, security agencies have been getting the ministry’s support regarding technology.

“It is their work to leverage technology, it is not our duty to say this is what to achieve. What they require, we have provided 100 per cent and we will continue to do that”, he said.

On 5G technology deployment, the Minister explained that the government started the process in 2020 but was confronted with the COVID-19 conspiracy theory.

Pantami cited the declaration by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) that 5G and coronavirus were not related.

He confirmed that the Draft Policy would be presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) after the Working Group concludes its assignment.

The team comprises professionals in technology, health, environment and security sectors.

“They have been working for over one year on the policy of deployment of 5G in Nigeria. We want to be sure there is no vacuum that can exploited to the detriment of the citizens”, Pantami added.

The minister said after FEC’s approval, the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC) will assign Spectrum to the NCC for onward release to telcos and internet service providers.