The Federal Government is moving to make 112 Nigeria’s single emergency number, allowing Nigerians to call one toll free line when they need urgent help.
A multi agency committee has been set up to develop a roadmap for the nationwide rollout of the system.
The committee includes the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Communications Commission, National Emergency Management Agency, Federal Road Safety Corps and other relevant agencies.
The agencies are expected to finalise the operational plan and standard procedures for the system.
Vice President Kashim Shettima gave the directive at a stakeholders’ meeting on the 112 emergency number.
Shettima said the rollout should be guided by global best practices and urged the committee to make significant progress on the project.
He also assured stakeholders that the necessary resources would be made available to fund implementation once the project takes shape.
The National Economic Council had earlier approved 112 as Nigeria’s universal toll free emergency number.
The move is expected to replace the different emergency lines currently operated by various agencies and make it easier for Nigerians to get help during fires, accidents, medical emergencies, security threats and other crises.
Inspector General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu said the Nigeria Police Force fully supports the adoption of 112 as the country’s unified emergency number.
The Federal Government had previously disclosed that the Nigerian Communications Commission has established about 35 Emergency Communications Centres across the country to support the system.
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