Minister of Communication, Isa Pantami Dismisses Link Between 5G Network and Coronavirus
Isa Ali Pantami, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, has addressed the controversy surrounding the 5G network in Nigeria’s social media space. Speaking on Channels Television’s News At 10 on Sunday April 5, Pantami stated that he has not come across any research linking 5G network with Coronavirus amidst the ongoing discussions on the safety of the network.
Pantami also dismissed speculations about the network and its safety, emphasizing that the government does not base its decisions on online speculations.
“Firstly, it is not what is said online that government will work with. We are always taking decisions based on the opinions of experts, based on research. When it comes to health, we have (the) World Health Organisation and many health bodies. I just want you to bring out any research which they have conducted and (in which they) made their position about 5G’s relationship with COVID-19. I am yet to see anyone from the World Health Organisation. This is a body that accommodates our experts in health globally. We have ITU, the International Telecommunication Union. I just challenge you to let me know one expert or ITU as a body or any other professional body that conducted research and also made it public that this is the position.”
Pantami also revealed that the trial of the 5G network was conducted in Nigeria in November 2019 after being stalled for about two months. The government is awaiting recommendations from stakeholders before making a decision on whether or not to deploy the 5G network.
“There is no approval for any operator to deploy 5G; this decision will be taken after research and we are taking our time. Many countries deployed 5g – the US, UK, Germany, South Korea, India, and many more. We are not in any way rushing; we are more interested in doing an extensive investigation so that we will be able to come out with something tangible.”