The federal government has commenced plans to adopt 112 as Nigeria’s single national emergency telephone number, with consultations expected to begin with state governors and emergency response agencies ahead of nationwide implementation.
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 initiative 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 came days after the National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by the Vice President, approved the adoption of 112 as the country’s unified emergency number for use across all levels of government and relevant agencies.
As part of the implementation plan, Shettima directed the NCC to develop a roadmap for the project and work closely with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to strengthen coordination of emergency response services nationwide.
He also assured the delegation that the initiative would receive sustained support, adding that funding would be mobilised through the National Economic Council and the private sector.
The Vice President further called for greater collaboration and commitment among emergency response agencies to ensure the successful rollout of the initiative.
Earlier, Olorunnimbe disclosed that the NCC has already established about 35 Emergency Communications Centres across the country but stressed the need for stronger support from state governments and emergency agencies to keep the centres operational.
He urged governors, the Nigeria Police Force, ambulance services and NEMA to work together to ensure that people in distress receive timely emergency assistance.
“Everyone is expected to buy into this initiative and recognise its importance. It is a patriotic duty to our country to ensure that anyone in distress can get the help they need in a very swift manner,” Olorunnimbe said.
