NEC approves 112 emergency number, moves to strengthen national response system

The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved 112 as Nigeria’s national emergency number as part of efforts to improve response to disasters, insecurity, and other emergencies across the country.

The decision was taken at the 157th NEC meeting, held virtually on Thursday and presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

NEC also approved the creation of a multi-agency implementation committee, to be coordinated by the Office of the Vice President and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to ensure nationwide adoption and smooth operation of the system.

Vice President Shettima said the reform is aimed at removing delays caused by bureaucracy, stressing that citizens need fast and coordinated response during emergencies.

“When citizens face fire, accident, robbery, flood or violence, they do not need bureaucracy. They need response,” he said.

He added that the emergency system must be backed by proper coordination, awareness, and institutional responsibility to be effective.