FG to Engage Governors, Emergency Agencies on Nationwide Adoption of 112 Emergency Number
FG to Engage Governors, Emergency Agencies on Nationwide Adoption of 112 Emergency Number
FG to Engage Governors, Emergency Agencies on Nationwide Adoption of 112 Emergency Number
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to implement a unified national emergency response system, with plans to deepen engagement with state governors and emergency response agencies on the nationwide adoption of 112 as Nigeria’s official emergency telephone number.
The decision followed 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 in Abuja.
The engagement comes shortly after the National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by the Vice President, approved the adoption of 112 as the national emergency number to be used by all levels of government and relevant emergency agencies.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s emergency response system by creating a unified and coordinated platform for handling emergencies across the country.
NEC had also approved the establishment of a multi-agency implementation committee and programme coordination to be jointly led by the Office of the Vice President and the Nigerian Communications Commission.
Speaking during the meeting, Vice President Shettima directed that a comprehensive implementation roadmap be developed to ensure Nigeria aligns with global best practices by operating a single emergency number nationwide.
He also instructed the NCC to work closely with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), citing the agency’s extensive experience in disaster management, emergency response, relief operations and rehabilitation.
The Vice President assured the delegation that the initiative would receive sustained support, adding that funding would be mobilised through the National Economic Council and private sector partnerships.
He further called for stronger collaboration and commitment from emergency response agencies to guarantee the successful implementation of the national emergency communication system.
Earlier, Chief Olorunnimbe briefed the Vice President on the progress made so far, revealing that the NCC has already established about 35 Emergency Communications Centres (ECCs) across the country through the deployment of advanced communication technology.
He expressed appreciation to Vice President Shettima for providing leadership on the initiative and for facilitating collaboration with critical stakeholders, including the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).
According to him, the next phase of implementation requires greater commitment from state governments to maintain the emergency communication infrastructure already deployed by the Commission.
He stressed that the effectiveness of the emergency number would also depend on the active participation of all emergency response agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, ambulance services and the National Emergency Management Agency.
Olorunnimbe said every institution involved in emergency response must fully embrace the initiative to ensure that Nigerians in distress receive prompt assistance whenever they dial the emergency number.
He described the successful implementation of the 112 emergency system as a patriotic responsibility that would significantly improve public safety and emergency response across Nigeria.
FG to Engage Governors, Emergency Agencies on Nationwide Adoption of 112 Emergency Number
