The Federal Government has intensified efforts to implement 112 as Nigeria’s single national emergency number by engaging state governors and emergency response agencies to ensure its nationwide adoption and effective operation.
According to a statement issued on 9 July 2026 by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), the decision followed a meeting between a delegation from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), led by the Chairman of its Governing Board, Chief Idris Ibikunle Olorunnimbe, and Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The move comes shortly after the National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by the Vice President, approved the adoption of 112 as the unified national emergency number across all tiers of government and relevant emergency response agencies as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s emergency response system.
The Council 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.
Speaking during the meeting, Vice President Shettima directed the development of a comprehensive roadmap to ensure the country adopts a single, unified emergency number in line with global best practices. He also instructed the NCC to work closely with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), citing the agency’s experience in disaster management, relief, and rehabilitation.
The Vice President assured the delegation that the initiative would receive sustained support, noting that funding would be mobilised through the National Economic Council and private sector partnerships. He also stressed the need for strong commitment from emergency response agencies to guarantee the successful implementation of the project.
Earlier, Olorunnimbe briefed the Vice President on the Commission’s progress, revealing that the NCC has established about 35 Emergency Communications Centres (ECCs) across the country using modern technology.
He expressed appreciation to the Vice President for his leadership and for facilitating the engagement of key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), to support the initiative.
Olorunnimbe emphasised that governors must provide the necessary support to maintain the emergency communication infrastructure, while all response agencies—including the Nigeria Police Force, state ambulance services, and NEMA—must fully commit to ensuring emergency calls are handled promptly and effectively.
He described the initiative as a patriotic responsibility, stressing that every Nigerian in distress should be able to access emergency assistance quickly and efficiently.
