NCC emergency centres processed 1,500 COVID-19-related calls –Danbatta

Temiloluwa O’Peters

The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Prof Umar Danbatta, has disclosed that over 1,500 COVID-19-related calls were received and processed through the commission’s Emergency Communications Centres.

A statement on Sunday by the commission’s Director, Public Affairs, Dr Ikechukwu Adinde, said the Danbatta made the disclosure during the commissioning of the ECC in Owerri, Imo State by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami.

According to Danbatta, during the lockdown occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, the ECCs played a remarkable role by providing a platform for members of the public to seek lifesaving information and report COVID-19 related cases.

“I am happy to report to you that over 1,500 COVID-19-related calls were received and processed by the ECCs in the peak of the pandemic,” he said.

The EVC stated that the ECC project, equipped with necessary Information Technology tools and personnel, was a one-stop shop through which the public could access help from any response agency.

While restating the commission’s commitment to operationalise the ECCs in all the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, the EVC noted that 19 ECCs had been activated so far.

“We have no doubt that if put to maximum use and kept functional at all times, the ECC facilities will serve to complement the state government’s efforts at enhancing the security of lives and property of citizens,” Danbatta said.

Speaking during the tour of the ECC facilities, Pantami thanked the state government for giving the necessary support to the NCC to facilitate successful implementation of the project.

He assured of the Federal Government’s commitment to support more initiatives aimed at achieving the tripartite agenda of the president focusing on addressing security issues, improving the economy and curbing corruption.

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