The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has stepped up implementation of Nigeria’s planned 112 national emergency number, with fresh engagement planned with state governments and emergency response agencies following approval of the initiative by the National Economic Council (NEC).
The next phase of the rollout was discussed during a meeting between Vice President Kashim Shettima and a delegation from the NCC led by the Chairman of its Governing Board, Chief Idris Ibikunle Olorunnimbe, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Briefing the Vice President, Olorunnimbe said the commission has already established about 35 Emergency Communications Centres (ECCs) across the country to support a unified national emergency response system.
The meeting came days after the National Economic Council, chaired by the Vice President, approved the adoption of 112 as Nigeria’s single emergency number across all levels of government and relevant emergency response agencies. The council also approved the establishment of a multi-agency implementation committee, with programme coordination to be jointly led by the Office of the Vice President and the NCC.
Olorunnimbe said the success of the initiative now depends on stronger collaboration with state governments, which will be expected to support and maintain the emergency communications infrastructure, as well as the commitment of emergency response agencies to ensure that distress calls receive prompt attention.
“We need commitment at every level of all response agencies—from top to bottom—including the Nigeria Police Force, ambulance services across the states and, at the national level, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA),” he said.
Responding, Shettima directed the NCC to prepare a roadmap for the nationwide implementation of the single emergency number in line with global best practices and to work closely with NEMA on the rollout, citing the agency’s experience in disaster management, relief and rehabilitation.
The Vice President also assured the commission that the Federal Government would sustain the initiative, saying funding would be mobilised through the National Economic Council and private sector partnerships while urging greater commitment from all emergency responders.
The adoption of 112 is expected to harmonise emergency communications nationwide by providing a single number through which Nigerians can quickly access police, fire, ambulance and other emergency services, replacing fragmented emergency contact systems and improving coordination during emergencies.
