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Emergence Communications Centres 5 Years After

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Nigeria has poor record of disaster management in spite of the existence of various agencies whose primary responsibility is to effectively respond to disaster whenever and wherever it happens, with the view of assisting the victims.
Among these agencies include the police, fire service, road safety and above all National Emergence Management Agency (Nema), established in 1999 to coordinate activities of all disaster management activities in the country.
Instances are bound which exposes inefficiency of these disaster management agencies, among them are the bomb explosion at the Ikeja military cantonment that resulted in the loss of many lives and Bellview Airline crash at Lisa village in Ogun state.
It is regrettable that greater percentage of Nigerians that died as a result of the explosion at the cantonment were not killed by the exploded bomb but due to fear of uncertainty, as they were not adequately informed about what was going on. Many thought that Nigeria was under attack by external forces and in the process of running for dear life; they met their untimely death by jumping into the canal thinking that it is an escape route.
Observers believe that if people were informed either through radio, television or public address system on the cause of the explosion many lives lost in that disaster would have been saved. Few years after this unfortunate incident, Nigeria’s level of preparedness in disaster management was put to test again when a Bellview Airline crashed at Lisa village in Ogun State. It took more than 24 hours to locate the crashed aircraft, and by the time this was done, all the passengers on board who were alive few hours after the crash had died.
On December 10, 2005, now defunct Sosoliso Airline crashed and went up in flames within the perimeter walls of Port Harcourt airport, consuming 110 passengers including 62 children. The airport fire service was not able to save any passenger from the inferno owing to malfunctioning of the equipment. These few of several instance of the level decay in the country’s emergency management institutions, as well as to strengthen these institutions and to provide a more effective means of emergency management that the federal government through the ministry of information and communications directed Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to establish Emergency Communications Centres in the country. It was designed to offer Nigerians in distress situation assistance by them putting a call to through to the centre on its code and the centre will respond with rescue depending on the nature of the distress.
How the centres came about
The ministry of information and communications in august 2005 set up a committee headed by engr. Steven Bello, then executive commissioner in NCC, but now acting executive vice chairman, NCC. Other members of the committee include Mr. F. Y. Daudu from Ministry of Information and Communications who served as secretary, Mr. Balarabe Gambo of National Emergency Management Agency, representatives of the Police, and Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (Nitel), as well as Mr. Chioke Ogugua representing telecommunications operators.
The committee was to determine the organizational framework and administrative structure that will be required to establish and operate a public protection communications system; recommend a suitable telephone number that will be assigned for distressed call all over the country; as well as recommend means of funding for the scheme to ensure that it is self-sustaining and independent of government funding or budgetary allocations. The committee was also to recommend a frequency or frequencies that should be reserved to communicate with the centres; to determine, if there is any legislative enactment required in order to give legal backing to any of the recommendations made; and recommend modalities for its implementation.
The committee was given four weeks to submit its reports to the feral executive council. Upon the rectification of the report, NCC was directed to implement the recommendations on the establishment of the National Emergency Communications Centres.
Implementation Effort
As part of its implementation plans, NCC mapped out four levels of interaction on the establishment of the centres. These include interaction with equipment vendors such as Nokia, Siemens, Huawei among others who will be supplying equipment that will be used in the centres, telecommunication operators, civil society agencies responsible for disaster management as well as state governments that going to provide land for the centres.
At the interactive session with telecommunications service providers held in Lagos, Mr. Steven Bello, explained that the emergency service code is usually an all service number that can be call in any situation where state-run emergency services are needed.
Bello noted that the interaction with operators was to discuss the requirement for the interconnectivity of such centres which is based Geographical Information System (GIS). According to him, the commission wants the operators to be able to send information about the subscriber on their network who is dialing 119 prescribed distress code in case of emergency.
“We want to get where the co-ordinates of the cell site from which the call is coming from, we want to get the telephone number if possible the caller’s state and local government. Once we get this information, we can use it to query our data base which we are about compiling, from there we will be able to get the nearest response agency close to the victim,” he said.
He cited instance of people who get into distress in places where they don’t know anybody or telephone number of closest police station, ambulance and other emergency response agencies. Such people, he said, can dial the three digit number which will direct the person to an emergency communications centre nearest to him, and from there the person will be directed to the nearest response agency that can help him.
Apart from this, each of the centres would have standby ambulance and other infrastructure such as a borehole to take care of fire related disasters. “We will have fuel depot in the emergency communications centres so that the police vehicle or ambulance stationed at the centre will not complain that they don’t have fuel to move when it’s being called,” Bello stated.
“We are going to provide all the necessary infrastructure, in fact, in the emergency communications centres we will also provide helicopter landing park so that the states that have helicopters such as Abuja and Kaduna can make use of them when there is need for the helicopter to go and rescue somebody who is in a place that is not accessible by road.”
He said that all emergency calls to the centre code are going to be toll free from all network operators in the country.
In line with the recommendations of the committee on the method of financing the communications centres so that they won’t be dependent on budgetary allocation, Bello said they are looking at a similar system in United States of America where one percent in every call made is taxed to finance the centre.
Having realized the need to partner relevant agencies in the establishment of these centres, Bello said NCC would collaborate with Nema in the implementation of the scheme.
He said that explained the presence of Mr. Daniel Gambo, deputy director, communications, Nema, at the interaction with telecom operators. Gambo said they intend to engage experts in disaster reduction and management that will assist in the operations of the centres.
Mr. Samuel Uchega, managing director, Mavis Computel Nigeria, the consulting company for the scheme, said there is going to be a legislation that will prescribe penalty for phones identified to have made calls or send short message service that is not meant for emergency situation to the code. The penalty, he said will be to block such phone line.
He explained that they are also going to establish a smooth communications between distress caller and the administrators in the emergency centres. Ucheaga also noted that the emergency communications centres are going to interface with switches of telecommunications operators to ensure that calls are not delayed in anyway.
NCC has so far gotten land allocation from four state governments for the establishment of emergency communications centres in their states; these include Taraba, Kwara, Plateau and Kaduna.
Sequel to this federal executive council early last year approved the release of N2.4billion for the commencement of the Emergency Communications Centres project across the country.
It more than a year after the approval no concrete result has been seen towards the realization of this laudable initiative.
In his first media interaction session after being pronounced acting executive vice chairman, NCC, engr. Bello re-affirmed his commitment to realizing the Emergency Communications Centre project among other projects initiated under the immediate past EVC, Engr. Ernest Ndukwe. With this assurance it is the believe of Nigerians that concerted effort should be made to see that at least the first set the centre where land have been acquired takes off.

 


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Anambra Deepens Digital Reforms, Eyes Top Ranking in Ease of Doing Business

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From Angela Nwanodu

Anambra State has reaffirmed its commitment to building a tech-driven and business friendly environment.

The State Government led by His Excellency, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR reiterated the commitment at the maiden State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) technical session and statewide town hall meeting on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, held at the International Conference Center, Awka.

The event formed part of the nationwide tour by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), bringing federal reform champions face-to-face with state officials, private sector leaders, and the business community.

In his remarks, Governor Soludo who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, welcomed the PEBEC team and stakeholders, describing the session as timely and essential.

He stressed that Anambra’s business reforms are deliberate and data-driven, echoing Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR’s belief that “if you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.”

Governor Soludo reaffirmed that although Anambra currently ranks 7th nationally and leads the South East on ease of doing business, the state views reforms as an ongoing, measurable process grounded in technology, planning, and accountability.

Princess Zahra Mustapha Audu, DG of PEBEC, in her goodwill remarks delivered via video, described the SABER programme, a $750 million World Bank-supported initiative, as a transformative partnership co-designed to help states implement global standards and create easier, more transparent business environments.

She stressed that while designing reforms matters, real impact comes from effectively implementing them, with states as the true engines of economic growth.

The State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, in her opening remarks, emphasized that with over 98% of Anambra’s wealth held by the private sector, government reforms must be deliberate and responsive.

She noted that under Governor Soludo’s leadership, Anambra has remained intentional about ensuring businesses face fewer obstacles and enjoy a competitive edge.

During the technical session, PEBEC reform leaders Ohiemi Gabriel, Ifeanyi Icheke, and Oluwatofunmi Odunladi commended Anambra’s reform champions for their consistent efforts in reporting, as well as the state government’s resolve which earned the state 7th place nationally and first in the South East in 2021 and 2023.

They encouraged Anambra to deepen its reforms ahead of the next ranking in December 2025, which will spotlight top-performing states and most improved states, alongside tailored recommendations for investors.

The highlight of the event was the panel discussion and town hall meeting anchored by the PEBEC team, featuring members of the State Executive Council as panelists, including the MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, CFA; Commissioners for Industry, Lands, Power and Water Resources; MD of ANSIPPA; and MD of ASBA.

During this session, panelists discussed how technology is central to Anambra’s reform agenda. They spotlighted initiatives like the ANAMGIS (Anambra Geographic Information System), which digitizes land processes; the Grievance Redress Mechanism that swiftly addresses investor concerns; the adoption of the .anambrastate.gov.ng domain to standardize official digital communications and strengthen trust in government services; and the ongoing expansion of fiber ducts to enable 5G connectivity, all reflecting the administration’s “Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere” vision.

The conversation also highlighted Solution Lens, a civic engagement platform designed to deepen citizen participation and transparency by allowing residents to track and report on government projects across the state.

Together with strategic projects like road constructions which are deliberate efforts by Governor Soludo to inter- connect Anambra State for easy moving round in doing business.

These reforms aim to enhance transparency, and position Anambra as a smarter, investor-friendly state

As Anambra prepares for the next PEBEC evaluation, government and stakeholders reiterated their resolve to keep reforms measurable, digital-led, and investor-focused

With technology and intentional governance at its heart, Anambra State is strengthening its position as a modern hub where businesses can invest, scale, and thrive.


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MTN’s Karl Toriola and Business Leaders Champion Corporate Climate Reform

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In a defining step toward sustainable transformation, Nigeria has officially joined the global Climate Governance Initiative (CGI), a platform empowering corporate board members to take decisive climate action.

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The initiative’s virtual launch drew a dynamic mix of leaders—former ambassadors, government officials, business executives, and climate advocates from across Africa and beyond.

Dr. Myma Belo-Osagie, Chair of the CGI Nigeria Advisory Board, welcomed attendees with a call to reimagine corporate leadership: climate risks, she noted, should no longer be treated as external issues—they must be integrated into strategic decision-making. She pointed to green finance, regenerative agriculture, and circular business models as key areas of opportunity.

Echoing that sentiment, MTN Nigeria CEO, Dr. Karl Toriola, warned that climate challenges already influence everything from access to capital to long-term competitiveness. “Climate risk directly affects our bottom line. It’s no longer optional to care—it’s necessary,” he said.

Toriola detailed how MTN has embedded climate governance at the core of its operations. From energy-efficient innovations like solar-powered towers and motion-sensor lighting to a nationwide battery and device recycling program, MTN is actively reducing its environmental footprint. Crucially, all executive performance indicators now include sustainability goals—with incentives tied to measurable impact.

He didn’t shy away from the hard truth: genuine climate progress will require sacrifice. “You can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs,” he said, urging corporate leaders to prioritize climate resilience even when it’s inconvenient or costly.

As CGI Nigeria joins a growing global network of corporate climate advocates, the message is clear—business leadership must go beyond profit to steward environmental accountability. From the boardroom to rural infrastructure, Nigeria’s private sector has a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable future.


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Save & Win: FCMB Promo Makes 12 Millionaires, Over 3,000 Winners

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First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has rewarded 3,016 customers in Season 10 of its ongoing Millionaire Promo. So far, 12 customers have won the top prize of ₦1 million each, while 3,004 others have received different cash rewards.

The winners were selected through electronic draws held between January and June, ensuring broad participation. The promo is open to new and existing savings account holders and ends in September.

During the fifth draw held on June 17, four additional customers won the star prize of ₦1 million each, with 112 others also receiving cash prizes. The latest millionaires include Ranti Badmos from Lagos, Wilson Onoezikome in Kaduna, Esther Obafemi in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, and Israel Oruma in Asaba, Delta State.

Israel Oruma, a timber merchant, expressed his delight at winning, saying the prize would significantly support his business.

“This is a pleasant surprise. I have been facing financial challenges recently. The ₦1 million will go a long way in assisting me. I’m investing it in my business and will encourage all my staff, family, and friends to open an account with the Bank. Thank you, FCMB.”

Adetunji Lamidi, Divisional Head of Personal Banking at FCMB, said the Millionaire Promo reflects the bank’s broader mission to enable financial security and opportunity for everyday Nigerians.

“At a time when many are facing economic pressure, savings-driven initiatives like this shift the focus from getting by to making progress. It gives people a reason to save, rewards loyalty, and shows that banking helps create real-life impact.”

Speaking on the integrity of the selection process, Oyinkan Kusamotu, Principal Legal Officer at the Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority, stated: “It’s great to witness FCMB’s commitment to compliance, fairness, and transparency throughout the draw process, which builds trust with customers and stakeholders.”

To qualify for Season 10 of the FCMB Millionaire Promo, customers must increase their account balance by at least ₦10,000 and maintain it for 30 days to enter the monthly and seasonal draws. Each additional ₦10,000 saved increases the customer’s chances of winning. Dormant or inactive account holders can also participate by reactivating their accounts. Draws are held nationwide, giving everyone a fair opportunity to win.


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