FG Moves to Finalise Nationwide 112 Emergency Number, Begins Talks with States

The Federal Government is set to begin consultations with state governments and emergency response agencies to implement 112 as Nigeria’s single national emergency number, following its approval by the National Economic Council (NEC).

The initiative is aimed at creating a unified emergency communication system that will enable Nigerians to access police, fire, medical, and other emergency services through a single toll-free number nationwide.

The decision follows NEC’s endorsement of 112 as the country’s official emergency number for adoption by all levels of government and relevant emergency response agencies.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has directed the development of a comprehensive implementation roadmap and tasked the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) with working closely with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other stakeholders to ensure seamless nationwide deployment.

As part of the implementation process, the Federal Government will engage state governors and emergency management agencies to harmonise existing emergency response systems and facilitate the adoption of the unified number across the federation.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC disclosed that the commission has already established about 35 Emergency Communications Centres (ECCs) across the country to support the rollout of the national emergency response system.

The government believes the adoption of a single emergency number will improve coordination among response agencies, reduce response times, and provide Nigerians with quicker access to emergency assistance during accidents, medical emergencies, security incidents, and natural disasters.

The planned consultations with states are expected to pave the way for the full operationalisation of the 112 emergency service nationwide.