Nigeria Adopts 112 as Unified National Emergency Number

The Federal Government of Nigeria is implementing 112 as the country's single nationwide emergency telephone number to unify response efforts for police, fire, medical, and disaster services. Following approval by the National Economic Council, Kashim Shettima, the Vice President of Nigeria, met with officials at the State House in Abuja to direct the creation of an implementation roadmap.

As part of the strategy, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) will collaborate with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to leverage expertise in disaster management and rehabilitation. The NCC has already established approximately 35 Emergency Communications Centres across the country. Funding for the project will be mobilized through the National Economic Council and support from the private sector.

Idris Ibikunle Olorunnimbe, Chairman of the Governing Board of the NCC, briefed the Vice President on the progress of the adoption. He noted that the system's success depends on sustained operational support from state governors, the Nigeria Police Force, and ambulance services. Olorunnimbe characterized the commitment of response agencies as a "patriotic duty" to ensure citizens in distress receive swift assistance.