NSA Warns Against 5G Network, Expresses National Security Concerns
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Monguno, retd, yesterday expressed serious concerns over the 5 Generation (5G) Network, and cautioned against its deployment. According to him, if wrongly deployed and left in the hands of wrong persons, it can be a threat to national security. Speaking during Senate investigative hearing on the present status of 5G Network in Nigeria and it’s Technological impact on the citizens, Monguno, said 5G Network would require telecommunications operators in Nigeria to upgrade their equipment to the new technology adaptable (5G) network which, if not properly deployed, could serve as tools for eavesdropping, cyber attacks and espionage by external forces. The hearing was organised by the Senate Joint Committee on Communications, Science and Technology, ICT and Cyber Crimes and Primary Health Care and Communicable diseases, led by Senator Oluremi, APC, Lagos Central. He said his office shared its fears with the Nigerian Communications Commission,NCC, during the initial trial of the technology in the country and expected that the concerns would be addressed in the draft national policy when it is ready. “We urge the Minister to carry the office along in the development of the policy, so we can have a robust framework to take care of these areas.”
Meanwhile the Federal Government on its part, told the Senate that Nigeria was ready for the 5G Network, adding that the country was almost at the final stage of its realisation and implementation. Speaking at the hearing, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, said there was no need for Nigerians to express fears, saying 5G had no link with COVID-19. On whether it has negative impact on the lives and health of citizens, Pantami said all available research, including that of World Health Organisation, WHO, and International Telecommunications Union, ITU, had shown that there were no adverse health effects.
