FG Officially Hands Over 5G Spectrum Allocation To NCC

The Federal Government has officially handed over the spectrum allocation for Fifth Generation (5G) deployment in the country to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, made the presentation to the commission management at a public event in Abuja on Thursday.

Pantami presented the 5G spectrum allocation document to the Chairman, NCC Board of Commissioners, Prof. Adeolu Akande, and the Commission’s Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta.

The minister, who is also the Chairman, National Frequency Management Council (NFMC), also presented the National Policy on 5G Networks to the public.

Pantami commended the NCC leadership for ‘a transparent, fair and credible 3.5GHz spectrum auction’ conducted on December 13, 2021, adding that Nigeria had taken proactive and meticulous steps to be among the leading players in the global digital economy.

He also stated that the 5G network, when deployed, will bring a lot of benefits and opportunities that will engender accelerated growth and smart living in the country.

The minister asserted that the technology will bring substantial network improvements, including higher connection speed, mobility and capacity, as well as low-latency capabilities.

Reacting, NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Danbatta appreciated the minister and all stakeholders for the role played in the emerging 5G network policy implementation initiatives, saying that the expected transformation will be greater than what the nation witnessed with the 1G, 2G, 3G and 4G.

Danbatta said the collective efforts of the private sector and government support will make the deployment of 5G network transform every aspect of the nation’s economy.