5G Network in Nigeria?
‘Radiation’ is among the newest buzz word of 2020. Naturally, any mention of the word triggers the alarm bell so it is on this basis uninformed persons spread rumours that radiations from 5G facilities such as the base station or mast could cause coronavirus infection.
Although the world is striving to prevent any further spread of the virus which has now transformed both the health and economic order globally, claims that the outbreak began in a 5G-smart city in China is sending the shock waves to countries such as Nigeria that have not yet deployed the revolutionary technology.
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The Guardian Newspapers report that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had confirmed no Nigerian telecoms operator had been licensed to switch on the 5G technology.
The NCC verified this position on Monday, May 11, 2020, while reacting to claims that some Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) were already powering 5G in Lagos, and as a result, residents should remain indoors on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
According to a statement released by NCC’s spokesperson, Dr. Henry Nkemadu, it noted that the Executive Vice Chairman of the commission, Professor Umar Danbatta, enjoined Lagos residents and all Nigerians to disregard the social media story because it was untrue and highly misleading.
Why Nigerians are worried about 5G (Vanguard)
According to an explanation by Dave Okorafor,a radiologist at the renowned Federal University Teaching Hospital in Ebonyi State, there are about seven different kinds of natural, but also artificially-producible radiations called electromagnetic radiations out of which gamma ray, xray and high-frequency ultraviolet ray are capable of damaging human cells or the DNA in them.
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Gamma ray, x-ray and high frequency UV radiation are called ionizing radiations because they could significantly alter the structure of the smallest unit of matter in living cells.
With this, they could cause external and internal injuries to the human body. These sort of bodily harm usually become indicative within a couple of days.
5G trial
The Nation Newspapers reported that Danbatta explained that in November 2019, NCC approved a trial test for 5G for three months and after that time, the trial had been concluded and installation decommissioned.
Danbatta noted the trial was designed to study and identify possible health or security challenges associated with 5G, stating that relevant stakeholders and security agencies were summoned to participate in the trial.
Danbatta remarked that the NCC would continue to uphold its policy of neutrality in the choice of technology and continue to encourage service providers to deploy the best technology that would serve the needs of consumers in a secure and friendly way.
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Meanwhile, the Punch Newspapers reported that 5G was beneficial because it could connect everyone with things, aid the creation of millions of jobs, solve some of our challenges with insecurity, improve governance and help our national economy earn billions of dollars.
Also the Premium Times corroborated the news from some reputable sources when it reported that the Nigerian Communications Commission had not yet approved any telecoms operator to switch on the 5G technology.
This report was important as it helped calm the frayed nerves of many citizens of the country who had become fearful and confused because the rumour mills instructed them to restrain their movement as a means of preventing themselves from exposure to a harmful radiation during the installation of 5G base stations and masts in some parts of the country.
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