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We processed 1,500 COVID-19-related calls during lockdown, says NCC

By Adeyemi Adepetun
14 September 2020   |   3:49 am
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has said it received and processed over 1,500 COVID-19-related calls through its Emergency Communications Centres (ECCs) at the peak of the pandemic in the country.

Umar Danbatta

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has said it received and processed over 1,500 COVID-19-related calls through its Emergency Communications Centres (ECCs) at the peak of the pandemic in the country.

The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the body, Prof. Umar Danbatta, made the disclosure during the inauguration of the ECC in Owerri, Imo State, over the weekend by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami.

The event, which was hosted by Governor Hope Uzodimma, had in attendance the Chairman, NCC Board of Commissioners, Prof. Adeolu Akande, according to a statement by the Director, Public Affairs, NCC, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde.

Danbatta said, “During the total 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 or support and reporting COVID-19- related cases by dialling 112 from any of the networks. I am happy to report to you that over 1,500 COVID-19-related calls were received and processed by the ECCs at the peak of the pandemic.”

The statement said the project could the public to get help from any response agency. Danbatta listed the response agencies as the Nigeria Police (NPF), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), among others.

The NCC chief said 19 ECCs had been activated so far in 18 states and Abuja. The states are Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Ogun, Plateau, Enugu, Benue, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Oyo, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, Adamawa, Kogi, Anambra and Imo.

“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 protection of lives and property of citizens,” he said.

Pantami thanked the state government for helping the NCC in the project. He said the economy would benefit from effective implementation of more Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-driven projects across the country.

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