*Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission, discloses the Commission鈥檚 Emergency Communications Centres (ECCs) in 23 states of the Federation and Abuja are functional 24 hours with profound positive impact on the lives of Nigerian consumers

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has stated that the Commission鈥檚 Emergency Communications Centres (ECCs) across the country have become a rallying point for promoting national security and protection of lives and property of Nigerians.

绿帽献妻 reports Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, who disclosed that 24 of the ECCs are currently operational in 23 states and Abuja, Nigeria鈥檚 Federal Capital Territory (FCT), said the ECCs processed about 34 million calls, bordering on security and emergency issues in the first eight months of 2021.

L-R: Prof. Danbatta, Prof. Adeolu Akande, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami and Governor Hope Odidika Uzodinma of Imo State at the commissioning of ECC in the state聽 聽Photo: NCC

The Commission said Danbatta stated this development while delivering a goodwill message at the just concluded 17th Edition of All Nigerian Editors鈥� Conference, which held at the Nigerian Air Force Conference Centre, Abuja.

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The theme of the conference, organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors, is: 鈥淢edia in Times of Crises: Resolving Conflict, Achieving Consensus鈥�.

The NCC EVC/CEO in his remarks on the occasion noted that historically, the media have always been in the vanguard of advocacy for values that are ennobling, edifying and unifying.

The media professionals to continue to play their watchdog role professionally and ethically, as a rallying point for unity and security in the country, said he.

Danbatta further said that accurate, unbiased reporting of national issues, especially those bordering on conflict and security matters, would promote economic development, fight corruption, and ultimately improve security of lives and property in the country.

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He as well related how the country鈥檚 telecoms sector regulator is contributing to improving national security through the establishment of ECCs, which he stated offer a lifeline to citizens in times of distress.

There are 23 states in the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with functional ECCs, and the centres have continued to have profound positive impact on the lives of Nigerians.

Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Director of Public Affairs of NCC (left) at the NGE Conference, in Abuja

He also explained: 鈥淚n addition to the 23 already established and functioning ECCs, the Commission will soon activate ECCs in nine (9) more states, and also plan to inaugurate similar project in the remaining four (4) states by end of 2022, in keeping with Federal Government鈥檚 directive.鈥�

According to Danbatta, in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic crisis in Nigeria, over 1,500 calls connected to COVID-19-related incidents were received and processed by the Emergency Communication Centres.

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鈥淭he Centres provided a platform for members of the public to seek life-saving information and support with regards to COVID-19 related cases by dialing 鈥�112鈥� from any of the networks.

鈥淢ore remarkably, Nigerians have become more aware of and are using the 122 Emergency Number.

鈥淏etween January and August, 2021, about 34 million calls were made by Nigerians, who were seeking succor during emergencies or under other security threats and unrest within their communities,鈥� he added.

Recall the Nigerian Senate recently passed a bill to establish the Nationwide Emergency Communications Service with 112 as Primary Toll-Free Emergency Number for the country.

This is said to be in recognition of the importance of NCC鈥檚 ECC projects to national security and economic growth.

The Commission is committed to implementing various national digital economy policies and regulatory frameworks aimed at deepening digitisation, in order to further democratise access to communication facilities by the citizenry, Danbatta stated.

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