The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially sanctioned the deployment of the Fifth Generation Network, widely known as 5G, across the country. This significant announcement was made by the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), following a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday, September 8, 2021. This approval marks a pivotal step in advancing Nigeria's digital infrastructure and aligns with its broader digital economy goals.

Following this crucial approval, the Minister has issued a directive to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to commence the immediate implementation of the 5G plan for the nation. The deployment strategy for 5G will be executed in a phased manner, prioritizing major cities where there is a demonstrated need for high-quality broadband services. The NCC is tasked with publishing a comprehensive implementation roadmap, which will include specific service roll-out obligations to guide the nationwide deployment of 5G.

Furthermore, the NCC has been instructed to initiate the development of relevant regulatory instruments. These instruments are vital for addressing various critical aspects, including health and safety concerns, among others, to ensure the effective and responsible implementation of the 5G roll-out by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). This proactive approach aims to create a robust regulatory framework that supports technological advancement while safeguarding public interest.

The National Frequency Management Council (NFMC), which is chaired by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, is also poised to play a key role. It will soon release the necessary 5G Spectrum to the NCC. This spectrum will then be auctioned to eligible Mobile Network Operators that require it for their 5G deployment initiatives, fostering competition and broader access to the technology.

The endorsement of the 5G Plan by President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Executive Council provides a substantial impetus to Nigeria's ambitious 5G agenda. The objectives of this plan are multifaceted, including ensuring the efficient assignment of spectrum for optimal deployment, cultivating an enabling environment conducive to investment within the telecommunications industry, and guaranteeing the effective deployment of 5G services to encompass major urban centers across Nigeria by the year 2025. These goals are meticulously integrated with the overarching objectives of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), 2020-2030, which aims to establish a truly Digital Nigeria and position the country as an early adopter of cutting-edge digital technology within the rapidly expanding global digital economy.

The successful and timely deployment of 5G technology is of paramount importance for the nation's future. It is anticipated to serve as a catalyst for various emerging technologies, stimulate the generation of innovative use cases, drive significant socio-economic growth, and contribute substantially to job creation across diverse sectors. The Minister extended his profound appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari, all members of the Federal Executive Council, the National Assembly, and other pivotal industry stakeholders for their collective roles and invaluable contributions throughout the journey that culminated in the landmark approval of 5G implementation for Nigeria.