Insecurity: NCC Processed 34 Million Emergency Calls From Nigerians In 8 Months–Danbatta

The Nigerian Communications Commission has revealed how it helped close to 34 million Nigerians under security threat and emergencies through the Nationwide Emergency Communications Service.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta made the disclosure at the 17th edition of All Nigerian Editors’ Conference which is ongoing at the Nigerian Air Force Conference Centre in Abuja.

The theme of the conference is ‘Media in Times of Crises: Resolving Conflict, Achieving Consensus.’

The emergency line was launched in 2019 across 18 States of the country including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The NCC boss revealed that the calls sent to its emergency line ‘122’ toll-free number by the 34 million Nigerians in need of safety and help was between January to August 2021.

According to him, at the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, about 1,500 calls connected to COVID related emergencies were received and processed by the Centres.

“The Centres provided a platform for members of the public to seek life-saving information and support with regards to COVID-19 related cases by dialing ‘112’ from any of the networks.

“More remarkably, Nigerians have become more aware of and are using the 122 Emergency Number. Between January and August, 2021, about 34 million calls were made by Nigerians, who were seeking succor during emergencies or under other security threats and unrest within their communities,” said Danbatta.

The EVC reiterated how the commission has played vital role in improving national security in the country specifically through the establishment of emergency toll-free line.

The EVC said so far, the country has 23 states and the FCT with functional ECCs.

He added that “The Commission will soon activate ECCs in nine more states, and also plan to inaugurate similar project in the remaining four states by end of 2022, in keeping with Federal Government’s directive.”

The NCC boss also called for the media to continue to play its critical role in the unification of the country.

Danbatta further advised that media professionals should continue to play their watchdog role in a professional manner.