FG steps up rollout of 112 national emergency number

The federal government has intensified efforts to implement 112 as Nigeria’s single national emergency number, with Vice President Kashim Shettima directing the development of a roadmap for its nationwide rollout and calling for the support of state governors and emergency response agencies.

The directive followed a meeting between Shettima and a delegation from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), led by the Chairman of its Governing Board, Idris Olorunnimbe, on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The meeting came days after the National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by the Vice President, approved the adoption of 112 as the country’s unified emergency number across all levels of government and relevant agencies.

NEC also approved the establishment of a multi-agency implementation committee to be coordinated by the Office of the Vice President and the NCC.

At the meeting, Shettima directed the NCC to develop “a roadmap” that would ensure Nigeria adopts “a single, unified emergency number” in line with global best practices.

He also instructed the commission to work with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), citing the agency’s expertise in disaster management, relief and rehabilitation.

The Vice President assured the delegation that the initiative would receive sustained support, saying funding would be mobilised through the National Economic Council and the private sector.

Shettima also stressed the need for stronger collaboration among emergency response agencies to guarantee the success of the initiative.

Earlier, Olorunnimbe briefed the Vice President on progress made toward implementing the national emergency number, disclosing that the NCC had established about 35 Emergency Communications Centres across the country.