The Federal Government has commenced plans to implement 112 as Nigeria’s single national emergency telephqone number, with state governments and emergency response agencies expected to play key roles in the rollout.
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 featured prominently during a meeting between Vice President Kashim Shettima and a delegation from the Nigerian Communications Commission, led by the Chairman of its Governing Board, Chief Idris Ibikunle Olorunnimbe, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The meeting came days after the National Economic Council, chaired by the Vice President, approved the adoption of 112 as the country’s unified emergency telephone number across all tiers of government and relevant response agencies.
As part of efforts to implement the decision, Shettima directed the NCC to develop a comprehensive roadmap for the nationwide rollout of the initiative.
He also instructed the commission to collaborate with the National Emergency Management Agency to strengthen coordination among emergency responders and improve response to distress situations across the country.
The Vice President assured the delegation that the Federal Government would sustain the initiative, noting that funding would be mobilised through the National Economic Council and private sector partnerships.
He further stressed the need for stronger collaboration among emergency response agencies to ensure the successful implementation of the unified emergency communication system.
Earlier, Olorunnimbe disclosed that the NCC had established about 35 Emergency Communications Centres nationwide but said greater support from state governments and emergency service providers was needed to keep the facilities fully operational.
He urged governors, the Nigeria Police Force, ambulance services and the National Emergency Management Agency to work together to ensure Nigerians in distress receive timely assistance.
According to him, the success of the initiative depends on the commitment of all stakeholders, describing the adoption of a single emergency number as a national responsibility aimed at improving public safety and saving lives.
