The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced that in addition to providing essential emergency response services to the public, the Emergency Communications Centres (ECCs) are now creating employment opportunities for Nigerian youth and professionals.
Moreover, the ECCs are also facilitating informal business activities for citizens across the country.
These ECCs have been constructed and are fully operational in 27 State capitals across Nigeria, and can be reached via the Toll-Free Number 112.
They are designed to function similarly to the 911 Emergency Numbers in developed countries, offering immediate support to individuals facing emergencies such as fire outbreaks, robbery or violent attacks, domestic and road accidents, health crises, etc. People can reach out to response agencies through the toll-free three-digit number, 112.
Currently, four more centres are undergoing test runs and will begin operations in September 2023, bringing the total to 31. Additionally, another set of four centres is expected to become operational before the end of this year.
The NCC has provided technology platforms like Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems to response agencies including the police, 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). This facilitates the dispatch of emergency calls through the national emergency toll-free number 112.
The three-digit code, 112, was chosen to ensure that citizens in emergency situations can easily remember and report them promptly.
ECC agents have been trained and equipped with state-of-the-art communication equipment, including digital radio, Internet-protocol (IP), and geo-location technologies. These enable responders to quickly identify incident locations and deliver efficient rescue services.
The NCC emphasizes that Emergency Centre services in Nigeria are available 24/7, with agents working in shifts to ensure round-the-clock service delivery.
In order to receive timely information from call agents at the centres, response agencies like the Police are provided with additional mobile communication devices, some of which are installed in their offices. This allows for the instant transmission of information to the top officials for effective command and control of emergency situations or incidents throughout the country.
As the ECCs take on more vital roles in providing emergency communication services, they also contribute to the socio-economic well-being of the country by creating job opportunities. Each centre employs call agents, Facility/IT Staff, and Administrators.
The NCC has carefully set the basic salaries for ECC staff to ensure the positions are attractive to Nigerian youth and other employees. Currently, over 1,200 individuals are employed at the 27 operational centres, and more will be hired as the additional eight centres, currently under various stages of completion, become fully operational by 2024.
Indigenous Nigerian consultants manage these Centres, providing total facility and operational management.
