The Federal Government has commenced plans to adopt 112 as Nigeria’s single national emergency telephone number, with consultations set to begin with state governors and key emergency response agencies ahead of nationwide implementation.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President).
According to the statement, the initiative was discussed during a meeting between Vice President Kashim Shettima and a delegation from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), led by the Chairman of its Governing Board, Chief Idris Ibikunle Olorunnimbe, at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday.
The meeting followed the recent approval by the National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by the Vice President, for the adoption of 112 as the country’s unified emergency number to be used across all levels of government and relevant agencies.
As part of the implementation strategy, Shettima directed the NCC to develop a comprehensive roadmap for the project and collaborate closely with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to strengthen coordination of emergency response services nationwide.
He assured the delegation of sustained government support, noting that funding for the initiative would be mobilised through the National Economic Council in partnership with the private sector.
The Vice President also called for enhanced collaboration and commitment among emergency response agencies to ensure the successful rollout of the system.
Earlier, Olorunnimbe revealed that the NCC has already established about 35 Emergency Communications Centres across the country, but emphasised the need for stronger support from state governments and emergency agencies to ensure their effective operation.
He urged state governors, the Nigeria Police Force, ambulance services, and NEMA to work in synergy to guarantee that citizens in distress receive prompt and efficient assistance.
“Everyone must buy into this initiative and recognise its importance. It is a patriotic duty to ensure that anyone in distress can access help swiftly,” Olorunnimbe said.