BY Haleem Olatunji
The federal government says it is working towards creating a minimum of one emergency communication centre (ECC) in each state next year.
Isa Pantami, minister of communications and digital economy, disclosed this at the launching of the national policy on virtual engagements in federal public institutions and the official commissioning of digital economy projects, in Abuja on Monday.
The minister said 23 ECCs have been commissioned in the last two years, adding that 13 others are underway.
Pantami said the ECCs will operate with toll free number to allow citizens report issues of security among other emergency cases.
“In less than two years, we have commissioned around 23 emergency communications centres all over the country and we have around 13 underway. It is our plan to have at least one ECC in every state of the federation by 2022,” he said.
“These centres are very important; it is a toll free number and if you make a call nothing will be deducted from your mobile account.
“This is to make it easier for all citizens to patronize; and which will go a long way to support citizens in emergency cases, security situations.”
Pantami said the ECCs will use the 112 number designated as the universal safety and emergency assistance number.
On the digital economy centre (DEC), Pantami said the centres are being equipped with computers for students and staff members, internet facilities, solar system, and in some cases backup generator for power.
“The DEC will serve as a capacity building centre to enable the promotion of knowledge-based economic growth, an avenue for creating jobs and providing access to information, knowledge and government enabled digital services for rural communities,” he said.
“The centre is an avenue for stimulating economic growth by creating new products, increasing productivity and promoting new commercial and administrative methods.
“The ECC project was set up to promote and enhance public safety through the use of the 112 number, designated as the universal safety and emergency assistance number, for telephone services generally.
“It will encourage and facilitate the prompt deployment of a seamless, ubiquitous and reliable end-to-end infrastructure for emergency communications needs.”
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