NCC Boss Says Nigeria Is Ready For 5G Adoption

The Nigerian Government has resounded its readiness for the implementation of the 5G technology. Months ago, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital economy stated that the 5G technology was safe and that Nigerians should eradicate all the fears that they had in mind or those that they must have heard about the 5G technology.

Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta – the Executive Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) mentioned that the NCC is ready to implement the 5G technology as directed by the Government. The NCC boss made the revelation on Tuesday while responding to questions of the newly installed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy – Mr. Bitrus Bako Nabasu, during a presentation held in Abuja.

“On the 5G, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has spoken about the Federal Government’s position to deploy as soon as possible. Our state of readiness is very high. There’s an auction committee for 5G with a deployment plan ready. As you know, without a plan you cannot have a successful deployment”, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta said emphasizing that the NCC as a body is always in sync with the plans and decisions of the Government.

“All we are asking is an additional spectrum to be allocated by the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC). Of course, some of these spectrums are ready but we have to get the Federal Government’s approval to go ahead with the auctions”, the NCC boss added.

His presentation focused on the 5G technology, the plan, the enabling laws, and the mandate of the commission in regards to the technology. His presentation also touched on topics relating to the telecommunication sector of which he praised for a healthy competition. He also made the newly installed Permanent secretary familiar with the commission’s imminent book launch, adding that the book will give an insight into the operations of the NCC. “I have spoken about the first Strategic Vision Plan (SVP) comprising 8 agenda items. The SVP has come to the end and we have written a book providing documented progress we have made while implementing it. I am pleased to inform you that the book will be unveiled on the 7^th September 2021”, he said.

He also commended the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy – Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami for his efforts and contributions towards the commission and for continually providing an enabling environment and a bridge between the Government and the commission.

“The commission will continue to put in its best in the discharge of its mandate, especially in facilitating the deployment of broadband infrastructure, which is central to diversifying the Nigerian economy and national development. It is our belief also that the communication industry, under the leadership of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, will experience more quantum leap and retain its current flaghip role in the telecommunication space”, he said.

Earlier this year and throughout last year when the pandemic was still in its neonatal stage and raving wild, the 5G technology was believed to spread the virus. The misconception was however cleared by governments and bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO). 5G adoption is still in its early stage of adoption but it has already begun to make its way into Africa, and soon (as assured by the Government) it will be available in Nigeria.