The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has spotlighted the important effect of using Emergency Communications Centres (ECC) for not just reporting emergencies and expectations for response services to the public but as an avenue for gaining employment.

Reuben Muoka, the Director of Public Affairs, NCC, revealed that the ECC initiative had created employment opportunities for numerous Nigerian youths and professionals while fostering informal business activities throughout the country in a communique today, Monday August 28, 2023.

He stressed that all the 27 emergency centres are now fully operational in all the state capitals in the country. The 112 toll-free number is the primary access point that guarantees connection to the 911 emergency system in other developed nations.

Mr Mouka further reiterated that the ECC is a lifeline for individuals facing emergencies like fires, robberies, accidents, health crises, and more, offering immediate connection to response agencies through the 112 toll-free number.

The NCC reveals that testing is currently being done in other four additional centres and are set to launch services in September 2023, which will bring the total of ECC to 31 with other four centres in anticipation to begin operations by the end of 2023.

“The commission provided technology platforms such as Computer-Aided Dispatch systems for the respective response agencies such as police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, Ambulance Service, and State Emergency Management Agencies to facilitate the dispatch of emergency calls through the national emergency toll-free number 112,” the NCC said.

This three-digit code was thoughtfully designed to ensure easy recall, allowing citizens in distress to swiftly report all cases of emergencies.