NCC initiates rollout of unified 112 emergency number across Nigeria

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced moves for the implementation of Nigeria’s planned 112 national emergency numbers.

Accordingly, following approval of the initiative by the National Economic Council (NEC), the Commission has kickstarted fresh engagement with state governments and emergency response agencies towards achieving the set objectives.

This was as the Federal Government directed the NCC to prepare a roadmap for the nationwide implementation of the single emergency number in line with global best practices.

The Federal Government directive, issued through Vice President Kashim Shettima, further directed the Commission to work closely with NEMA on the rollout, citing the agency’s experience in disaster management, relief and rehabilitation.

The next phase of the rollout by the NCC formed part of the discussion at a meeting between Vice President Shettima and a delegation from the NCC led by the Chairman of its Governing Board, Chief Idris Ibikunle Olorunnimbe, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

While briefing the Vice President, Chief Olorunnimbe announced that the commission has established about 35 Emergency Communications Centres (ECCs) across the country to support a unified national emergency response system.

The meeting which took place a few days after the National Economic Council that was chaired by Vice President Shettima, approved the adoption of 112 as Nigeria’s single emergency number across all levels of government and relevant emergency response agencies.

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The NEC also approved the establishment of a multi-agency implementation committee, with programme coordination to be jointly led by the Office of the Vice President and the NCC.

Olorunnimbe also said that the success of the initiative now depends on stronger collaboration with state governments, which will be expected to support and maintain the emergency communications infrastructure, and the commitment of emergency response agencies to ensure that distress calls receive prompt attention.

The NCC Chairman said; “We need commitment at every level of all response agencies—from top to bottom—including the Nigeria Police Force, ambulance services across the states and, at the national level, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)”.

In his remarks, Vice President Shettima assured the NCC of the government preparedness to sustain the initiative, stressing that funding would be mobilised through the National Economic Council and private sector partnerships, thus urged greater commitment from all emergency responders.

The adoption of 112 is expected to harmonise emergency communications nationwide by providing a single number through which Nigerians can quickly access the police, Fire service, ambulance and other emergency services.

The new emergency number would replace fragmented emergency contact systems and improve coordination during emergencies.