The Federal Government has commenced plans for the nationwide adoption of 112 as Nigeria’s single emergency telephone number. This strategic move aims to phase out multiple emergency lines and establish a unified national response framework.

The presidency will engage state governors and response agencies to finalise the integration strategy. This was disclosed in an official statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications.

The announcement followed a high-level meeting at the Presidential Villa between Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Nigerian Communications Commission governing board. Chief Idris Ibikunle Olorunnimbe led the NCC delegation during the strategic briefing.

This development follows a recent endorsement by the National Economic Council, chaired by the Vice President. The council approved the 112 line across all tiers of government to eliminate fragmented response protocols.

Vice President Shettima has directed the NCC to develop a comprehensive implementation roadmap immediately. The telecom regulator must collaborate closely with the National Emergency Management Agency to strengthen nationwide coordination.

To ensure long-term sustainability, funding will be mobilised through the National Economic Council and private sector partnerships. The presidency has called for high-level commitment from all emergency responders to guarantee successful execution.

The NCC has already established 35 Emergency Communications Centres across the federation to support this rollout. Effective operation will now rely on swift integration between state governors, the police, and ambulance services.