The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced its plan to commission emergency call centres across Nigeria, but policy decisions are holding implementation back.
Tony Ojobo, director of public affairs at the telecommunications regulator, said the commission is already at the final test running stage of two of the pilot emergency centres that are sited in Minna, Niger State, and Akwa, in AkwaIbom State, and citizens in need of the emergency services will be encouraged to call 112.
He however noted the official flag off of the centers is pending the enactment of the necessary policies which he said are the major hindrance to take off of the emergency centres.
He said: “The commission will soon launch the two pilot emergency centres, what is delaying the launch are policy issues.”
In total, he said the commission is currently testing 20 pilot emergency centres across Nigeria although he stated the pilot emergency centre in Minna will be the controlling center for the north, while the one in Akwa will oversee the commission’s emergency operations in the south.
