By Andy Asemota
In a bid to find lasting solution to the inherent impact of 5G technology on Nigerians and the country’s national interests, the Senate has approved that it is appropriate for the nation to deploy the telecommunications service before the end of this 2021.

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Apart from observing the trend of 5G deployment around the globe and extensive sensitization of the public, the law makers endorsed its joint committee’s recommendation that the country should locally conduct a scientific experimental study over a period of six months to ascertain any correlation between 5G network and public health.

The Upper Legislative Chamber’s decision to ensure future deployment of the technology would be done in manner that protects all stakeholders was taken at the plenary on Wednesday presided over by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, with senators approving all the 11- point – recommendations of the Senate Joint Committee on Communications; Science and Technology; ICT and Cyber Crimes, and PHC and Communicable Diseases on investigation of “the status of 5G network in Nigeria and its technological impact on Nigerian citizens.”

Presenting the report of the joint committee, Senator Oluremi Shade Tinubu, said it is appropriate for Nigeria to join the comity of nations that are engaged in the deployment of 5G for all its inherent gains.

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The joint committee recommended that though there was still a fair bit of work to be done towards creating the required enabling environment and support ecosystem for 5G deployment in Nigeria, it assured that network would revolutionalize Nigerians’ way of life in diverse sectors if deployed.

It clarified that no license had been issued to any GSM Communication operators on commercial basis for 5G deployment in Nigeria and urged relevant government agencies to embark on preparing the ground by putting the necessary infrastructure and technology in place for its eventual deployment.

Acknowledging that the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy had been charged to publish the outcome of the work of it’s technical advisory committee on emerging technologies and products, the senate panel noted there was almost general consensus concerning the harmlessness of 5G to human health.

“Concerning the interaction between COVID-19 and 5G network technologies, the joint committee confirms and is convinced that there is no connection between them. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is caused by biological agent – a virus – which is scientifically unconnected with the 5G technology,” the committee said.

While appreciating the concern of the Office of the National Security Adviser over the national security implications of the 5G technology deployments, the body also recommended the establishment of an inter – agency working group to assess and address all national security con concerns and develop necessary risk manage framework.