By George Ozalla
The Chairman of the Governing Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Chief Idris Ibikunle Olorunnimbe, has said the active support of state governments and effective collaboration among emergency response agencies are critical to the successful nationwide rollout of Nigeria’s unified National Emergency Number, 112.
Olorunnimbe made the submission during a meeting between Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of the NCC Governing Board at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, following the recent approval by the National Economic Council (NEC) for the nationwide implementation of the single emergency number.
The NEC, chaired by Vice President Shettima, had approved 112 as Nigeria’s unified toll free emergency number to provide citizens with a single point of access to emergency services, including the Nigeria Police Force, fire service, ambulance services and other first responders. The Council also approved the establishment of a multi agency implementation committee to coordinate the nationwide deployment of the initiative.
Speaking during the meeting, Olorunnimbe disclosed that the NCC had already established about 35 Emergency Communications Centres (ECCs) across the country as part of preparations for the implementation of the national emergency communication system.
He explained that the Commission had made substantial investments in communications infrastructure, equipment and technology to ensure that the centres are capable of supporting emergency response services across the federation.
According to him, the next phase of the project will require stronger commitment from state governments, particularly in providing the necessary institutional support and ensuring that emergency response agencies within their jurisdictions are fully integrated into the system.
He stressed that the success of the initiative would not depend solely on the availability of communications infrastructure but on the willingness of all emergency agencies to work together in responding promptly to distress calls.
Olorunnimbe noted that the purpose of introducing a single emergency number would be defeated if calls placed by Nigerians were not properly routed to the relevant agencies for immediate action.
He explained that a citizen calling the emergency line for police assistance, medical attention or fire service intervention should be able to receive prompt response without unnecessary delays or transfers.
The NCC Board Chairman further stated that agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), state ambulance services, fire service authorities and other emergency responders must embrace the initiative and maintain close coordination to ensure that lives and property are protected.
He described the project as a national undertaking that requires commitment from the Federal Government, state governments and all stakeholders, adding that an effective emergency communication system has the potential to save lives, improve response time and strengthen public confidence in emergency services.
Olorunnimbe also commended Vice President Shettima for providing leadership on the project and for expressing readiness to engage the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and other stakeholders to secure nationwide support for the implementation of the initiative.
Earlier, Vice President Shettima directed the NCC to prepare a comprehensive implementation roadmap to guide the nationwide deployment of the unified emergency number.
He also instructed the Commission to work closely with the National Emergency Management Agency, noting the agency’s extensive experience in disaster management, emergency coordination, relief operations and humanitarian response across the country.
The Vice President assured the Commission of the Federal Government’s commitment to the successful implementation of the project, stating that adequate funding would be mobilised through the National Economic Council and strategic partnerships with the private sector.
He further stated that sustained collaboration among the Federal Government, state governments and emergency response institutions would be essential to achieving a seamless national emergency communication system.
When fully operational, the National Emergency Number 112 is expected to replace the multiple emergency contact lines currently in use, giving Nigerians a single toll free number to report security threats, road accidents, medical emergencies, fire outbreaks and other incidents requiring immediate intervention.
The initiative is also expected to improve coordination among emergency agencies, reduce response time and strengthen emergency management across the country, bringing Nigeria’s emergency communication system in line with international standards.
