The Federal Government has begun plans to adopt 112 as Nigeria’s single national emergency telephone number in a move aimed at improving emergency response across the country. The initiative will involve consultations with state governors, emergency agencies and other key stakeholders before it is implemented nationwide.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, following a meeting between Vice President Kashim Shettima and a delegation from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) led by its Governing Board Chairman, Chief Idris Ibikunle Olorunnimbe, at the Presidential Villa.
The move follows the recent approval by the National Economic Council (NEC) for 112 to serve as Nigeria’s unified emergency number across all levels of government and relevant emergency response agencies.
As part of the rollout, Shettima directed the NCC to develop a comprehensive implementation roadmap and collaborate closely with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to strengthen emergency response coordination nationwide. He also assured the commission of the Federal Government’s support, noting that funding would be sourced through the National Economic Council and private sector partnerships.
Speaking during the meeting, Olorunnimbe revealed that the NCC has already established about 35 Emergency Communications Centres across Nigeria but said stronger support from state governments, the police, ambulance services and NEMA is needed to keep the centres fully operational.
“Everyone is expected to buy into this initiative and recognise its importance. It is a patriotic duty to ensure that anyone in distress can get the help they need in a very swift manner,” Olorunnimbe said.
If successfully implemented, Nigerians will only need to dial 112 to reach emergency services regardless of the type of emergency.
Source: Presidency
