Federal Government Considers 112 For Nationwide Emergency Response Line

According to Ireporter Online, Shettima gave the directive on Thursday during a meeting with a delegation from the NCC at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he emphasised the need for effective collaboration among state governments, security agencies, ambulance providers and other emergency response organisations for the initiative to succeed.

The NCC delegation was led by the Chairman of its Governing Board, Idris Olorunnimbe, following the approval by the National Economic Council (NEC) for the adoption of 112 as Nigeria’s single emergency contact number.

The Vice President noted that the project should not be viewed solely as a telecommunications programme but as a national public safety initiative requiring the commitment of all levels of government and relevant emergency stakeholders.

Shettima also directed the NCC to collaborate with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in developing an implementation framework, stressing that the agency’s expertise in disaster management, emergency response and rehabilitation would be crucial to the success of the system.

He assured the commission that the government would explore funding options through the National Economic Council and private sector partnerships while urging continuous engagement with governors and emergency response authorities to ensure nationwide support.

The Vice President warned that establishing a central emergency number without improving the capacity and responsiveness of agencies responsible for handling distress calls would undermine the purpose of the initiative.

Speaking during the meeting, NCC Board Chairman Idris Olorunnimbe revealed that the commission had already established about 35 Emergency Communications Centres across the country as part of efforts to create a coordinated emergency response structure.

Olorunnimbe explained that the major challenge currently facing the initiative was securing stronger commitment from state governments and emergency response agencies to ensure quick action whenever distress calls are received.

He stressed that agencies including the Nigeria Police Force, ambulance services, fire authorities and NEMA must work together to guarantee that Nigerians in distress receive timely assistance.

According to him, the success of the 112 emergency system depends on every organisation within the response chain being fully prepared to act whenever calls are transferred to them.

The proposed 112 emergency line is expected to replace Nigeria’s current fragmented system, where different agencies operate separate emergency numbers that are often difficult for citizens to remember or access during urgent situations.

Under the new arrangement, Nigerians will be able to dial 112 for any emergency, with calls automatically directed to the appropriate response agency based on the nature and location of the incident.

The system is designed to connect citizens with services such as the police, ambulance providers, fire services, NEMA and other relevant emergency organisations, similar to unified emergency communication models used in several countries around the world.