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Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has said that the deployment of 5G network will play a vital role in improving the security situation in the country.
Pantami spoke at the launch of the National Policy on Fifth Generation Networks for Nigeria’s Digital Economy by President Muhammadu Buhari inside the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
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In his presentation to President Buhari, the minister stressed that “5G network is a viable platform for security institutions to leverage on, in tackling the security challenges that have bedeviled the country, by harnessing the potential of digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Robotics, etc. which explore real time information for maximum efficiency.”
He further disclosed that the “5G network will enhance transparency and economic development as its potential for job creation is unprecedented.”
Professor Pantami, who expressed gratitude to the president for the immense support enjoyed by the Digital Economy sector, also disclosed that the National Policy on 5G will achieve numerous goals, including the security of the ecosystem and the protection of data, ensuring that international best practice and globally accepted standards and specifications are entrenched in Nigeria’s ecosystem.
The formal launch of the 5G Network in Nigeria strengthens government’s commitment to develop a thriving digital economy.
The National Policy on 5G Networks was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), the country’s highest executive body, last September series of trials and multi-stakeholder engagements eliminated perceived health risks of the 5G technology.
Pantami receives Presidential Commendation
Meanwhile, the president has commended the Professor Pantami for “delivering the mandate for a digital Nigeria”. President Buhari who expressed his satisfaction with the exemplary leadership and unprecedented developments Professor Pantami has brought to bear on the digital economy sector as well as the country at large, said “I applaud the commitment and consistency of the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy towards the delivery of the mandate of developing Nigeria’s digital economy. The progress has been unprecedented and truly commendable”.
The president reiterated that 5G technologies can support every sector by enhancing connectivity, healthcare, education, foster smart cities, boost agriculture and support security institutions with real time information.
His words: “To this end, I hereby direct all the security institutions to immediately leverage 5G when deployed, in order to beef up security in the country and the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy is to oversee a multi-stakeholder implementation of the policy.”
