FG to Adopt 112 as National Single Emergency Number

The Federal Government has announced plans to implement 112 as the unified emergency telephone number across Nigeria. This initiative aims to streamline emergency responses by integrating state governments, security agencies, and emergency service providers into a single, cohesive network.

The decision follows a recent approval by the National Economic Council, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima. During a meeting at the Presidential Villa with a delegation from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Vice President directed the commission to develop a comprehensive implementation roadmap. He emphasized the need for close collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to enhance nationwide coordination.

To ensure the project’s sustainability, the government plans to mobilize funding through a combination of support from the National Economic Council and private sector partnerships. Vice President Shettima underscored that the success of the 112 initiative depends on the active commitment of all emergency responders, including the police and ambulance services.

The NCC, represented by the Chairman of its Governing Board, Chief Idris Ibikunle Olorunnimbe, noted that 35 Emergency Communications Centres have already been established across the country. However, the commission stressed that the full functionality of these centers requires increased support from state governments.

Officials emphasized that a unified emergency number is a vital service for the nation, designed to ensure that citizens in distress can receive rapid, professional assistance. The government’s move is expected to significantly improve the efficiency of emergency service delivery once the system is fully operational nationwide.