Deal to Establish 5G Innovation Hub Signed By Nigeria And Ericsson

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a framework of cooperation on fifth-generation (5G) technology development, deployment, and innovation has been signed by the Nigerian Government and Ericsson.

Minister of communications, innovation and digital economy, Bosun Tijani, signed the MoU on behalf of Nigeria as the Country Manager, Ericsson Nigeria, Peter Ogundele, signed for the company.

The MoU was signed at the Ericsson global headquarters research and development lab in Kista, North of Stockholm, Sweden, and was witnessed by the Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, and Patrick Johansson, Ericsson senior vice-president and head of business area, Middle East and Africa.

The company also made a presentation to Shettima about its 5G technology evolution, radio spectrum matters and standardisation, and the cyber and network security by Ericsson professionals.

Shettima who spoke after the presentation, enquired about the possibility of the company deploying its 5G technology to assist Nigeria in improving the security of its oil facilities.

“What value can you add to us? Security of oil facilities, oil pipelines. How can you come in with 5G to secure the oil pipelines, address the issue of oil theft and vandalisation of the pipelines?” he asked.

“The quantum of oil theft that is lifted is very crucial for economic planning and everything.”