The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it is working with stakeholders to formulate policies for 5G network usage.

“Our goal is that when the federal government is able to establish a policy that will drive 5G, all the benefits of 5G will be properly harnessed by Nigerians,” NCC chief executive Umaru Danbatta told reporters at a tech forum on Wednesday.

The introduction of 5G networks caused some furore in the heat of the coronavirus pandemic. Many believed, without any scientific proof, that 5G had a bearing on the pandemic.

Mr. Danbatta said those concerns are also being addressed in the government’s plan.

He said, “We are all aware of the controversies surrounding COVID-19 and 5G technology. It is normal for the emergence of new technologies to be followed by such disagreements and the debate is mostly useful.

“We at the commission, however, are inevitably committed to examining the pros and cons.”

Mr. Dambatta said his agency is working with the communications ministry, the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Office of the National Security Adviser to prepare a policy document.

Experts say 5G networks will drive faster innovation in artificial intelligence.

Mr. Danbatta said a study conducted by QUALCOMM suggests the full economic effect of 5G would likely be realised across the globe by 2035, and the new technology would support a wide range of industries and potentially enable the production of goods and services worth up to $13.2 trillion.

5G networks are already being used in about 40 countries in the world.