The Federal Government says plans are underway to adopt 112 as Nigeria’s single emergency telephone number in a bid to improve emergency response coordination across the country.
The initiative followed a recent approval by the National Economic Council for the nationwide adoption of 112 as the official emergency number for all levels of government and relevant agencies. According to the Office of the Vice President, the move is aimed at creating a unified emergency response system that allows citizens to access help through a single, easily identifiable number.
Vice President Kashim Shettima directed the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, to develop a roadmap for implementation and work closely with the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, to strengthen emergency response coordination nationwide.
Chairman of the NCC Governing Board, Idris Ibikunle Olorunnimbe, disclosed that the commission has already established about thirty-five Emergency Communications Centres across the country. He, however, stressed the need for stronger collaboration among state governments, the Nigeria Police Force, ambulance services and emergency management agencies to ensure the centres function effectively.
He noted that emergency services can only succeed when all stakeholders work together to provide timely assistance to citizens in distress. The NCC also emphasised the importance of public awareness and support for the initiative, describing access to emergency services as a critical component of public safety.
The adoption of a single emergency number is expected to simplify access to emergency assistance, reduce confusion during emergencies and improve response times. Similar systems are already in operation in several countries where citizens can quickly contact emergency services through one dedicated number.
Stakeholders believe the initiative could significantly improve Nigeria’s emergency management architecture if properly implemented and supported by adequate funding, technology and inter-agency collaboration.
