The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the establishment of an Emergency Communications Centre,ECC in Zamfara State, North East, Nigeria, to support the fight against insecurity in the state.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami disclosed this when he received the state Governor, Muhammad Bello Matawalle in his office in Abuja.
Dr. Pantami said “An Emergency Communications Centre (ECC) has been approved for Zamfara State and we will ensure that it is deployed and fully operational in the next few months. This facility will in no small measure aid in the fight against the challenges of insecurity and will also create jobs in the state.”
The Minister’ spokesperson, Mrs. Uwa Suleiman in a statement noted that Dr. Pantami also pledged commitment to partner with the state government in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy for a Digital Nigeria, adding that “Job creation remains the best way to fight insecurity”.
On his part, Governor Matawalle while stressing the impact of the digital economy noted that “it was yielding positive results in his state as the Minister has successfully bridged the access gaps in several communities that lacked telecommunications services”.
He also commended Dr Pantami for the speedy response to the request and prayed he considers the establishment of more centres to properly engage the youths.
“We are here today to express our profound gratitude to the Minister for his speedy intervention in ensuring that Mobile Network Operators established their presence and services in areas where they did not previously exist in the state and the establishment of ICT Centres in various schools in Zamfara which is encouraging digital skills and engaging the youths positively” the Governor stated.
Matawalle emphasised that the success recorded by the Digital Economy Sector is hinged largely on the exemplary leadership provided by Dr Pantami and urged other public officials to emulate him.
Recall that the Ministry in the last year has provided an ICT Innovation Hub to the State, Digital Economy Centers, Emergency Communication Centre (ECC) across the country to enhance network coverage in remote locations, capacity development programmes, among others.
The developmental projects and programmes are part of the Federal Government’s intervention to the State to enhance security, boost economic activities and promote digital literacy and skills.
The Emergency Communications Centres, play a vital role during emergencies as they facilitate response for emergency agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Fire service, Ambulance Services, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and others by dialling 112 from any mobile network.
So far , emergency centres have been established in 19 states of the federation and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
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