NCC rolls out Emergency call centres
By Patience Ikpeme
The Nigerian Communications Commission has rolled out Emergency Communications Centres (ECCs) across the country to provide essential emergency response services to the public.
These centres, which are now fully operational in 27 state capitals, offer toll-free numbers that allow individuals to immediately reach response agencies in cases of emergencies, and they operate similar to the 911 emergency numbers in some developed parts of the world.
Reuben Muoka Director, Public Affairs of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) stated that in addition to providing emergency response services, the centres offer employment placements for Nigerian youth and professionals and informal business activities for citizens across the country.
The ECCs are equipped with state-of-the-art communications equipment, including digital radio and Internet-protocol (IP) and geo-location technologies, and agents have been trained to respond to emergency situations.
The response agencies have also been provided with additional mobile communications devices to enable them to instantly receive information from call agents at the centres for effective command and control over emergency situations.
The ECCs also provide job opportunities for citizens, and over 1,200 individuals have been employed at the operational centres across the country.
