The Nigerian Communications Commission has highlighted the significant impact of the Emergency Communications Centres beyond their primary role of providing vital emergency response services to the public.
In a communique signed by Reuben Muoka, the Director of Public Affairs, NCC, it was revealed that the ECC initiative had created employment opportunities for numerous Nigerian youths and professionals while fostering informal business activities throughout the country.With all 27 emergency centres now fully operational across state capitals in Nigeria, the toll-free number 112 serves as the access point, paralleling the functionality of the 911 emergency system in developed nations.It added that the ECC serves as a lifeline for individuals facing emergencies like fires, robberies, accidents, health crises, and more, offering immediate connection to response agencies through the toll-free 112 number.
The NCC said an additional four centres are currently undergoing testing and are set to launch services in September 2023, bringing the total ECC count to 31. Furthermore, another set of four centers is anticipated to commence operations before the year concludes.
“The commission provided technology platforms such as Computer-Aided Dispatch systems for the respective response agencies such as police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corp, Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, Ambulance Service, and State Emergency Management Agencies to facilitate the dispatch of emergency calls through the national emergency toll-free number 112,” NCC said.
This three-digit code was thoughtfully designed to ensure easy recall, allowing citizens in distress to swiftly report emergencies.
Agents at the ECCs undergo rigorous training and are equipped with state-of-the-art communications tools, including digital radios and internet protocol and geo-location technologies. These advancements empower responders to quickly identify the location of incidents, facilitating the effective delivery of rescue services to the public.
It added, “As the ECCs assume more crucial roles in providing emergency communications services to the citizenry, it is also providing additional socio-economic responsibility of providing job opportunities to the citizens as each of the centres have staffs made up of Call agents, Facility/IT Staff, and Administrators. The basic salaries of the staff of ECCs, have been carefully set by the Commission, to ensure that the jobs at the centres are attractive for the Nigerian youths, and other categories of employees.”