*Nigerian Vice-President Kashim Shettima directs the Nigerian Communications Commission and National Emergency Management Agency to design framework for adoption of 112 single national emergency number, as the National Economic Council mobilises funding for the project
Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect
For a coordinated implementation of the initiative, the Federal Government directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to liaise with 36 State Governments, and emergency response, to ensure effective activation of ‘112’ as the country’s single national emergency number.
ConsumerConnect reports Vice-President Kashim Shettima, GCON, issued the directive Tuesday, July 7, 2026, during a meeting with the delegation of the telecommunications regulatory Commission in his office, in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, FCT.
Chief Idris Ibikunle Olorunnimbe, Chairman of the Governing Board, led the Commission’s delegation to the meeting with the Vice-President.
It was also gathered that the meeting followed the National Executive Council’s (NEC) approval for the adoption of 112 code as the West African country’s unified emergency number across all tiers of government and relevant response agencies.
The fresh initiative is also aimed at creating a seamless national emergency response system that will enable Nigerians to access the Police, ambulance, fire and disaster response services through a “single emergency number”, in line with global best practices.
It is recalled the National Economic Council (NEC) earlier had approved the adoption of 112 as Nigeria’s unified emergency number, and established a multi-agency implementation committee being coordinated by the Office of the Vice-President and the NCC.
The government regarded the initiative as part of efforts at strengthening emergency preparedness and response across Nigeria.
Shettima directs NCC, NEMA to formulate 112 emergency number implementation framework
As a proactive measure for application of the single national emergency number, Vice-President Shettima has directed that a comprehensive implementation roadmap be developed for successful rollout of the initiative across Nigeria.
He urged the NCC to work closely with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), especially in regard to the agency’s extensive experience in disaster management, emergency response, relief and rehabilitation across the country.
Federal Government assures of sustained support for success
Shettima equally assured the telecoms sector regulatory Commission of the Federal Government’s sustained support for the initiative.
According to him, funding will be mobilised through the National Economic Council and private sector partnerships to ensure success.
The Vice-President as well emphasised the need for strong collaboration among State Governors and emergency response agencies to guarantee the project’s outstanding success.
Relevance of 35 Emergency Communications Centres to initiative
Earlier, Chief Olorunnimbe had intimated Vice-President Shettima with the progress the Commission has in this regard.
The Chairman of the Governing Board of NCC disclosed the telecoms regulator had long established about 35 Emergency Communications Centres (ECCs) to support the national emergency response system in Nigeria.
He also commended Shettima for providing leadership on the initiative, and for pledging to engage key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), to secure nationwide support for its implementation.
The next phase of the project, Olorunnimbe stated, requires stronger commitment from state governments to maintain the communications infrastructure the NCC has already deployed across the country.
The Board Chairman further stressed the need for full integration and cooperation among all emergency response agencies to ensure distress calls receive prompt attention in the ecosystem.
Said he: “If someone calls for Police intervention and, for some reason, the call does not reach the Police, that person will not receive the help they need.
“So, we need commitment at every level of all response agencies, from top to bottom.
He noted these include the Nigeria Police Force, ambulance services across the states and, at the national level, the National Emergency Management Agency.
Olorunnimbe averred: “Everyone is expected to buy into this initiative and recognise its importance. It is a patriotic duty to ensure that anyone in distress can get the help they need in a very swift manner.”