NCC Begins Rollout of 112 as Nigeria's Single National Emergency Number After NEC Approval

NCC Begins Rollout of 112 as Nigeria's Single National Emergency Number After NEC Approval

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced preparations for the nationwide rollout of 112 as Nigeria's single national emergency number following approval by the National Economic Council (NEC), in a move aimed at improving emergency response coordination across the country.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced consultations with state governments and key emergency response agencies as part of plans to implement 112 as Nigeria's unified national emergency telephone number.

The initiative follows the approval of the National Economic Council (NEC), which endorsed the adoption of a single emergency number for use by all tiers of government and emergency response agencies across the country.

The directive, conveyed through Vice President Kashim Shettima, also mandates the NCC to work closely with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in developing a comprehensive roadmap for nationwide implementation, leveraging the agency's expertise in disaster management, relief and rehabilitation.

The implementation strategy was discussed during a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja between Vice President Shettima and an NCC delegation led by the Chairman of the Commission's Governing Board, Chief Idris Ibikunle Olorunnimbe.

Speaking during the meeting, Olorunnimbe disclosed that the NCC has already established about 35 Emergency Communications Centres (ECCs) across the country to serve as the foundation of the unified emergency response system.

He explained that the next phase of the project would require strong collaboration from state governments and emergency response institutions. According to him, state governments will be responsible for supporting and maintaining the communications infrastructure, while emergency agencies must ensure prompt responses to distress calls.

"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)," Olorunnimbe said.

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

Responding, Vice President Shettima reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to the successful implementation of the initiative, stating that funding would be mobilised through the National Economic Council as well as partnerships with the private sector.

He also urged emergency response agencies to demonstrate greater commitment in ensuring that distress calls receive swift and effective attention.

The adoption of 112 is expected to simplify emergency communications nationwide by providing Nigerians with a single number to access police, fire service, ambulance and other emergency services.

Officials believe the unified system will replace the current fragmented emergency contact structure, improve coordination among agencies and significantly reduce response times during emergencies.

With Emergency Communications Centres already operational in several locations and stakeholder engagements ongoing, the NCC says efforts are underway to achieve nationwide coverage and seamless interoperability among emergency response agencies before the full rollout of the service.