Nigeria’s National Economic Council (NEC) has approved the adoption of 112 as the country’s unified emergency number, a move aimed at strengthening coordination and improving response time during emergencies nationwide.
The decision was reached at the council’s 157th meeting, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, where members emphasized the need for a single, reliable emergency contact accessible across all levels of government and relevant agencies.
Under the new framework, a multi-agency implementation committee will be established, led by the Office of the Vice President in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to ensure seamless execution and nationwide adoption.
Speaking at the meeting, Shettima said the initiative was designed to eliminate bureaucratic delays and ensure that citizens receive prompt assistance during crises such as accidents, insecurity, medical emergencies, and natural disasters.
He noted that while the emergency number already exists, the priority now is to institutionalize coordination, standard operating procedures, public awareness, and trust in the system.
“This is not only a technical reform… citizens need a response,” the vice president said, stressing the importance of a unified and efficient emergency system.
In addition to the emergency response initiative, NEC also directed the Federal Ministry of Finance to expedite the release of approved funds for the rehabilitation of police training institutions across the country.
The council further reviewed progress on polio eradication efforts, approving the expansion of its ad hoc committee to include additional high-risk states, and received updates on cultural and industrial development programmes aimed at boosting economic growth.
The adoption of a single emergency number is expected to enhance public safety, improve inter-agency coordination, and provide Nigerians with faster access to critical services in times of distress.
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