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NCC To Build Emergency Communication Centres In 36 States
The Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) is to build emergency communication centres in 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The aim is to bridge the gap between distressed and emergency response agencies in the country.
Executive Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, stated this in Enugu on Saturday during their special day at the ongoing Enugu International Trade Fair.
Danbatta, who was represented by the Director, Public Affairs of the NCC, Mr Reuben Muoka, said that all telecom operators were mandated to route emergency calls through the dedicated three digit toll free number 112, from each state to the emergency centres within the state.
Danbatta explained that the operators who should be residents in states where the communication centres are installed would process the distress calls and contact the response agency at the NCC headquarters whose duty it is to handle the cases.
On its challenges, Danbatta described cybercrime and e-fraud as another issue confronting the industry.
He, however, advised all consumers not to open emails that are not familiar to them, adding that people should not post personal identification information online.
Muoka said that the commission had created a toll free number 622, as a second level complaint which allows consumers to escalate unresolved issues by their service providers to the commission for effective resolution.
The Chairman described unsolicited text messages as a major issue affecting telecom consumers, adding that the commission, in order to protect subscribers from the unwholesome practice, evolved a solution called
“Do not disturb”.
“Globally, telecom service are critical to the overall socio-economic well-being of any nation as it provides a technological foundation for societal communication which plays a central role in the fundamental operations of the society.
“NCC as a regulator is mindful that telecom is an enabler and catalyst for economic advancement of the country and has consistently made available, affordable and accessible telecom service to eliminate certain telecom barriers,” he said.
In a welcome address, the president, Enugu Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Mr Jasper Nduagwuike, said that the NCC is committed to provide better service delivery by telecommunication operators in the country.
Nduagwuike, who was represented by the first deputy chairman of ACCIMA, Mr Odega Jideonwu, said that he was sure that the Trade Fair platform is a good interface with Stakeholders in the telecom industry.
Nduagwuike pointed out that the role of the commission as a regulatory agency in the development of the telecommunication sector, is to ensure best practices, efficient and effective service delivery by operators in the sector.
He described NCC as one of the sectors that had contributed to the enhanced growth of Nigerian economy.
Nduagwuike said that a lot more needed to be done to fully tap the potentials in this sector and for customers of the various GSM network operators to fully maximize the inherent benefits of optimal service delivery by operators.
He explained that the commission needs to do more, especially in having the courage to regulate operators in the sector to do what is right and protect vulnerable customers in the country.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.