Emergency Communication Centres in 36 states to be ready soon - NCC

January 19, 2018 

By Ijendu Iheaka

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said that it would soon complete its Emergency Communication Centres across the 36 states of the federation following a marching order it received.

The Director, Technical Standards, NCC, Dr Fidelis Onah disclosed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the 90th Consumer Outreach Programme of NCC in Aba.

Onah said NCC was consulting with the National Security Adviser and state governors to ensure quick completion of the centres without unnecessary duplication in states that already have theirs.

He said that the centres which had gulped over N10 billion were intended to bridge the communication gap between different emergency response agencies in the country.

 Earlier in response to a question asked by Abia State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Chief Fabian Nwankwo, Onah said that research showed Telecom masts are not dangerous as thought.

He said that although they emit radiations, their radiation is not “ionized” adding that they are located following legal procedure after proper scrutiny by NCC and Ministry of Environment.

Onah also said that the problems state governments face with fee payment by Telcos results from the states’ fee structure which seem to duplicate the fees for the Telcos.

He therefore urged the states merge the different service fees charged the Telcos and give it one name to ensure it is made easy for the Telcos to pay.

Speaking at the event, The Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, (CAB) NCC, Mr Abdulahi Maikano said the forum was meant to bring Abia telecom stakeholders together to discuss and proffer solutions to their challenges.

He said the forum seeks to educate stakeholders on contemporary issues generating interest to consumers and to get feedback which would help in regulating the sector. 

Maikano represented by Deputy Director (CAB), Mr Ismaila Adedigba urged the Service Providers to provide consumers with various initiatives meant to protect, inform and educate them.

Stakeholders at the forum who asked questions received answers and direction to different desks for solution to their telecommunication challenges.(NAN)

IEI/