The Federal Government has begun consultations with state governors and emergency response agencies to pave the way for the nationwide implementation of 112 as Nigeria’s unified emergency telephone number.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha.
According to the statement, the plan 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 single emergency contact number across all tiers of government and emergency agencies to improve coordination during emergencies.
Shettima directed the NCC to produce a comprehensive implementation roadmap and collaborate with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to strengthen emergency response systems nationwide.
The Vice President also assured the delegation that the initiative would receive sustained support, adding that funding would be sourced through the National Economic Council alongside contributions from the private sector.
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He further urged state governments and emergency service providers to demonstrate strong commitment to ensure the successful rollout of the unified emergency number.
Speaking at the meeting, Olorunnimbe disclosed that the NCC has already established about 35 Emergency Communications Centres across the country but stressed the need for stronger collaboration from state governments and emergency response organisations to keep the facilities fully operational.
He noted that governors, the Nigeria Police Force, ambulance services and NEMA must work in partnership to guarantee swift assistance for citizens facing emergencies.
Olorunnimbe described the initiative as a national responsibility, saying all stakeholders must support the project to ensure people in distress can quickly access emergency services through a single telephone number.