FG moves to operationalise 112 national emergency number
The federal government has directed relevant agencies and stakeholders to develop a comprehensive roadmap for the nationwide rollout of Nigeria’s 112 national emergency number.
The directive was issued by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday in Abuja at a stakeholders’ meeting on the National Emergency Number 112 project.
Shettima also directed the establishment of a committee comprising the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other relevant agencies to finalise the roadmap and standard operating procedures for consideration by the National Economic Council (NEC).
The NEC had recently approved 112 as Nigeria’s single universal toll-free emergency number, replacing fragmented emergency response lines.
The initiative is aimed at providing Nigerians with easier and faster access to assistance during emergencies, including fires, road accidents, medical crises and security incidents.
Shettima urged the committee to base its recommendations on global best practices and produce a clear roadmap for implementing the system.
“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. And I want to assure you that we will get the resources,” he said.
The Vice President directed the committee to conclude the roadmap and standard operating procedures for formal endorsement by the NEC.
