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By Chinenye Anuforo, [email protected]
Nigerians have been urged to embrace the fifth-generation network (5G), which was introduced in the country last week with MTN Nigeria spearheading the launch.
Experts were of the view that the entrance of 5G technology would enable greater and more in-depth exploitation of emerging technologies, such as Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR), etc, which define the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
According to Jide Awe, CEO of Jidaw Systems Limited, 5G has the ability to unlock new technology approaches, methods and interactions
He said, “The 5G solution providers will adopt largely commercial and profit-oriented approaches through their assessment of the market, target audience ad effective and meaningful business models.”
However, he pointed out that there must be balance: “As a nation, our overall focus should be on exploring and creating an environment that enables the 5G network to make us more inclusive, competitive and relevant in today’s digital era. In this light, beyond the initial pilots/rollouts, it is essential that 5G activities are in line with the National Policy on 5G Networks for Nigeria’s Digital Economy and the Nigerian National Broadband Plan.
“For example, digital inclusion still needs to urgently improve. Overall, 5G impact will depend on digital inclusion. While commercial and private interests will play a major part in getting 5G off the ground, we must make sure that existing inequalities are not being magnified and reinforced.”
Awe noted that monitoring and evaluation with meaningful participation of relevant stakeholders is also important to guide leverage on the infrastructure to foster growth of commercial interests and at the same time address some of Nigeria’s developmental concerns.
“Furthermore, capacity building is essential to achieve the goals of the National Policy for the Promotion of Indigenous Content in the Nigerian Telecoms Sector. Building domestic capabilities and avoiding total dependence on foreign talent must be prioritized in such a critical space.
“Policy and regulatory challenges – network/telecom security and infrastructure challenges (power supply, etc), multiple taxation and regulations, right-of-way issues, etc, should also be addressed.
“Increased generation of data by machines through emerging technologies calls for greater attention to data security, data protection and privacy issues and regulations,” he said.
Another ICT guru, Ajibola Olude, tasked Nigerians on speedy uptake of the new technology: “One of my great expectations is that Nigerians should rush to take advantage of 5G special benefits and use it to solve some of the security challenges.
He added that 5G will drive the next phase of development in the Nigerian Telecommunications and ICT Sector and also serve as a catalyst for further investment in the sector.
According to Ericsson Nigeria Country Manager, Mr. Peter Olusoji Ogundele the adoption and rollout of 5G networks will significantly boost Nigeria’s socio-economic ecosystem. Possessing low latency and high capacity, 5G will propel the nation’s ambitions for smart city development, smart transportation, and digitalised healthcare while also boosting industrial automation across the nation.
“It is important to note that the seventh pillar of Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), which is on Digital Society and Emerging Technologies, has heavily emphasised that digital technologies would play a crucial role in the growth of Nigeria’s economy. With 5G enabling digital technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT), the rollout of 5G in the country is sure to help the nation realize its digital development agendas.
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has long played an important role in social inclusion, improving employment outcomes, and enabling greater access to education and skills acquisition. As the government rolls out 5G in the country we are confident it will lead to inclusive growth and allow large sections of Nigerian society to contribute to the country’s economy.”
He explained that the idea that 5G causes more harm than good has for the most part been fuelled by panic with no credible substantial evidence. “In fact, expert groups and public health authorities including the World Health Organization (WHO) have done thorough reviews of available scientific studies and have concluded that the balance of evidence does not demonstrate any health effects associated with radio wave exposure from either mobile phones or radio base stations complying with international limits. I also feel it is important to emphasise that 5G equipment, whether be mobile devices or base stations, meets the same safety standards as the equipment used in current networks.”
