Emergency Communication Centres: Creating Job Opportunities for Nigerian Youths
Abuja, Nigeria 28 August, 2023 – The Emergency Communications Centres (ECC), implemented by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), are not only providing essential emergency response services but also offering valuable employment opportunities for Nigerian youth and professionals. In addition, these centres are generating informal business activities, benefiting citizens across the country.
With 27 ECCs already constructed and fully operational in state capitals throughout Nigeria, individuals in distress or witnessing emergencies can now dial the toll-free number 112 to reach response agencies swiftly. Similar to the 911 emergency numbers in developed countries, the ECCs cover a wide range of emergencies, including fire outbreaks, robberies, violent attacks, domestic and road accidents, and health crises. Furthermore, four more centres are currently undergoing test-runs and are expected to commence services in September 2023, bringing the total to 31, while another set of four centres are slated to begin operations before the end of the year.
To facilitate the dispatch of emergency calls, the NCC has provided technology platforms such as Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems to response agencies including the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Ambulance Service, and State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMA). This ensures that emergency reports made through the toll-free number 112 are promptly relayed to the appropriate agencies.
Agents at the ECCs have undergone comprehensive training and are equipped with state-of-the-art communications equipment, including digital radio and Internet-protocol (IP) and geo-location technologies. These tools enable responders to quickly identify incident locations, facilitating efficient and effective delivery of rescue services to the public. Operating in shifts, ECC agents are available 24 hours a day, providing round-the-clock emergency services.
To enhance communication between ECCs and response agencies, the police and other agencies have been provided with additional mobile communications devices, some of which are installed in their offices. This allows instant information sharing between call agents at the centres and the authorities, ensuring swift command and control over emergency situations nationwide.
The ECCs not only play a critical role in emergency communications but also contribute to the socio-economic development of Nigeria. Each centre employs call agents, facility/IT staff, and administrators, providing job opportunities to over 1,200 Nigerians across the 27 operational centres. As the additional eight centres reach completion and become fully operational by 2024, more employment opportunities will be created.
The ECCs are managed by indigenous Nigerian consultants, who oversee the facility and operational management of the centres, ensuring their smooth functioning.
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