The Federal Government, led by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, is spearheading efforts to harmonize emergency numbers under the 112 platform.
The initiative, supported by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and other relevant agencies, aims to create a more efficient and unified emergency communication system across the country.
During a recent meeting in Abuja, attended by heads of key agencies including the Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Federal Fire Service, the focus was on the 112 emergency number service solutions facilitated by the NCC.
“We presented our emergency number service solution, 112, facilitated by the NCC, to the Minister and heads of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Federal Fire Service, who have the mandate to enhance internal security, emergency response, and other ancillary services,” Minister Tijani said on X (formerly Twitter).
The 112 emergency number, established by the NCC, is a national toll-free number for citizens to report emergencies, including police, fire service, and ambulance needs. Currently, Emergency Communication Centres (ECCs) linked to this number are operational in 27 states, with plans to expand to all 36 states by 2024.
These ECCs are equipped with modern facilities such as call-response systems, digital maps, and GPS to assist responders in locating distressed individuals swiftly.
An agreement reached during the meeting was the active role of the Ministry of Interior in harmonizing existing emergency numbers under the 112 platform. This collaboration aims to align all stakeholders, creating a more efficient system for managing emergency communications in Nigeria.
“In a significant agreement, the Ministry of Interior will now play an active role in aligning all stakeholders as both our ministries collaborate to harmonize all existing emergency numbers under the 112 number, transforming it into a more efficient platform for managing emergency communications in Nigeria,” Tijani explained.
