In a crucial development aimed at enhancing public safety, Emergency Communications Centres (ECC) have been established across more than 27 states throughout the nation. These centres have been assigned the critical responsibility of swiftly responding to various emergency scenarios, including incidents such as fire outbreaks, robberies, accidents, health crises, and more.
The ECC functions as a coordinated hub for emergency responses, ensuring that the appropriate authorities are promptly notified and dispatched to manage crisis situations effectively. The Toll-Free number 122 has been designated as the primary point of contact for citizens to report emergencies and seek assistance.
As part of the innovation and improvement of lives through Digital technology, highlighted by the Communications Minister, Bosun Tijani, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has instituted the ECC team to ensure lives and properties of Nigerians are secured, and as well provide job opportunities for youths.
To ensure that every aspect of the average Nigerian life is protected, ECC has incorporated various response teams and agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC), Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Ambulance Service, and State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMA).
ECC has assured that the build up and smooth running of the call center in the various states are all courtesy of indigenous technocrats.
Currently the National Toll-Free emergency 3 digits is in 27 States, meanwhile the commission has assured that before the year ends, it would be operational in all 36 States if the country.
Presently, there are over a thousand employed youths at the operational Centers, and additional employment opportunities will arise with the creation of more Centers across different states.
Read also: The Role of NCC in Nigeria’s NRI Ranking
With this remarkable stride towards technological progress, Nigeria is steadily aligning itself with first-world countries. The recent development, marked by the establishment of Emergency Communications Centres (ECC) across over 27 states, is a testament to the nation’s growing prowess in the realm of technology.