Telecoms: Unreliable connectivity limiting effective emergency response in Nigeria –NEMSAS

*The Nigerian Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System advocates media, public understanding of emergency systems, stressing that poor telecoms connectivity remains a major challenge, limiting effective emergency response across the country

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Against the backdrop of unreliable network coverage in the ecosystem recently, the Nigerian Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) has affirmed that poor telecoms connectivity remains a major challenge, limiting effective emergency response across the West African country.

ConsumerConnect reports Dr. Doubra Emuren, National Coordinator of NEMSAS, stated this Monday, April 13, in Abuja, FCT, at a workshop for media professionals.

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NEMSAS organised the training programme in collaboration with the Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR).

The NEMSAS training for the media with the theme, “Strengthening Communications for Emergency Medical Services in Nigeria”, aimed to improve media engagement and public understanding of emergency systems in the Nigerian economy.

Stakeholders at the event advocated stronger collaboration to improve communication systems, workforce capacity, and infrastructure for a more responsive emergency healthcare system in the country.

Emuren: Effective connectivity is lifeblood of emergency response

Speaking at the programme, Emuren, Coordinator of NEMSAS, noted that unreliable Mobile Network Operators’ (MNOs) coverage has continued to disrupt emergency call systems.

He emphasised the National Emergency Number, 112, coordinated by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has equally remained inconsistent in several locations around the country.

Some challenges of emergency operations in Nigeria

Emuren told the training participants: “Connectivity is critical to emergency response. When networks fail, response time is affected, and lives are put at risk.”

Besides, NEMSAS disclosed that weak coordination among agencies, poor infrastructure, and limited regulatory enforcement further hindered seamless operations.

The Coordinator further said Nigeria had fewer than 1,000 paramedics, and about 500 ambulances, far below the estimated 4,000 needed to adequately serve the population.

Emuren as well emphasised the need to improve the training of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to provide basic life support and strengthen pre-hospital care.

According to him, in the short to medium term, “expanding EMT training can help to bridge the manpower gap and improve response coverage.”

Emuren also urged increased private sector participation, and the integration of air ambulances to improve access in congested and hard-to-reach areas.

The healthcare agency said poor road access, insecurity, and the lack of traffic management systems further complicated emergency operations, advocating a framework that prioritised ambulance movement.

The Coordinator of the agency emphasised the need for a Good Samaritan law to protect citizens who assisted victims during emergencies.

According to him, NEMSAS has transported about 47,000 pregnant women and neonates across 132 Local Government Areas (LGAs) under the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII).

He explained the service supported safe delivery by transporting women to health facilities and providing essential kits.

NEMSAS, Emuren noted, also covers emergencies, such as road traffic accidents, snake bites, gunshot injuries, building collapses, and communal clashes at no cost.

He revealed that the agency has established structures in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Dr. Lawal Bakare, Lead, Communication and Innovation at the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) Coordination Office of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in his remarks at the forum, explained SWAp is designed to improve coordination and equity in healthcare delivery.

Bakare emphasised the role of data, governance, and media engagement in strengthening accountability and public trust in the health system.

In her remarks, Mrs. Moji Makanjuola, Executive Director of the Initiative for Sustainable Media Policy and Health (ISMPH), highlighted the role of the media in bridging the gap between policy and the public.

Mrs. Makanjuola stressed that accurate reporting would enhance awareness, counter misinformation, and advance responsible use of emergency services in the country.

Poor telecoms services still source of concerns to consumers

In a related development, the comparatively poor telecoms services have been a source of major concerns to millions of digital consumers in Nigeria of recent.

Industry stakeholders said the weak Internet connectivity especially frustrates digital transformation goals of the Federal Government.

Investigations as well revealed that besides effective access to social media platforms, the poor network cuts across all mobile networks, making normal calls, messaging, and digital banking difficult for many in the ecosystem.

Marcus, one of the hardest hit telecoms consumers in Lagos, related his recent experience with the Telcos.

He was said: “I was frustrated when I attempted to do an online course to improve myself on my job as it became almost impossible to join Zoom meetings, and log in to the e-learning platform required for this training.

“What frustrates me the most is the inability to call or send messages to my husband or children whenever I am away from home.

“What if there is an emergency? Poor network would have deprived me of averting it.”

In his personal experience, Ayodeji noted that digital banking has become very difficult these days for him.

He argued that weak internet connectivity means he is unable to rely on his banking app to make digital financial transactions from the comfort of his home.

The consumer also said: “Oftentimes, you have to get into the banking hall to do the digital transfer which could have been done on your mobile app, if the Internet is stable and this increases stress and makes time management difficult.

He said: “The service providers should ensure to provide more mast systems to areas where they have a large number of customers.”

It is noted that such experiences with weak poor connectivity cum unstable Internet connection can be very frustrating.

Many believe that it is still a difficulty in completing online banking transactions, such as transfers or bill payments in recent times.

Therefore, delays in receiving important updates, or alerts from banks are some of the frustrations several telecoms consumers have been dealing with in Nigeria.

Ayodeji added: “Inability to access banking apps or websites for balance checks or account management are some of the downsides resulting from poor Internet connectivity.”

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