FG Moves To Activate 112 Emergency Number Nationwide

The Federal Government has intensified efforts to activate Nigeria’s unified 112 emergency number nationwide, directing relevant agencies to develop a comprehensive roadmap and standard operating procedures for its implementation.

The government constituted a committee comprising the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Communications Commission, National Emergency Management Agency, Federal Road Safety Corps and other agencies to finalise the operational framework for formal endorsement by the National Economic Council (NEC).

The NEC had earlier approved 112 as Nigeria’s single toll-free emergency number to replace the fragmented emergency lines currently operated by different agencies and provide faster access to assistance during accidents, fires, medical emergencies and security incidents.

Vice President Kashim Shettima gave the directive at the National Emergency Number 112 Project meeting, urging stakeholders to develop the framework in line with global best practices.

“Let’s make progress so that whatever time we have spent here is worth spending. And most importantly, the engine is finance. It is resources to drive the process,” Shettima said, assuring stakeholders that funding would be provided as progress is made.

Inspector General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu expressed the Nigeria Police Force’s support for the initiative, describing 112 as “a significant step towards ensuring that citizens have a simple and reliable means of accessing emergency assistance.”

He noted that people facing situations such as armed attacks, accidents, fires, medical emergencies or kidnapping often struggle to determine which agency to contact, stressing that a single emergency number would provide access to the appropriate response.

Personal Assistant to the President on e-Governance in the Office of the Vice President, Lydia Aina, said Nigeria’s current emergency response system was fragmented across multiple agencies and jurisdictions.

She said the immediate priority was to establish clear governance, responsibilities and standards to transform 112 from an approved number into a fully operational national emergency response system.