Nigeria’s National Economic Council (NEC) has approved 112 as the country’s unified national emergency number to improve response to crises and save lives.
The decision was taken at the council’s 157th meeting, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima in Abuja.
Officials said the move is aimed at creating a faster and more coordinated system for handling emergencies across the country.
Shettima said the new system is necessary to remove delays caused by bureaucracy.
He explained that “what the citizens needed urgently when confronted by natural disaster or insecurity was an urgent response and not bureaucracy.”
He added that the reform goes beyond technology.
“This is not only a technical reform. It is a test of the state’s humanity,” he said.
The vice president stressed that in emergencies, people need quick help.
“Citizens do not need bureaucracy.
“They need response.
“They need to know one number to call,” he said, noting the need for “one coordinated chain of action that moves quickly enough to save lives.”
NEC said the 112 number will be used across all levels of government and relevant agencies to ensure a unified approach.
The council also approved the creation of a multi-agency implementation committee led by the Office of the Vice President and the Nigerian Communications Commission.
Officials noted that while the number already exists, the focus now is on coordination, awareness and trust.
“Nigeria is not beginning from zero,” Shettima said, adding that what is needed is better coordination and public confidence.
The new system is expected to strengthen emergency response nationwide and make it easier for Nigerians to access help in critical situations.
