Shettima orders NCC, NEMA to collaborate on nationwide adoption of 112 emergency number

By Taiwo Scholarstica

Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima has ordered the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to collaborate on fast-tracking the adoption of Nigeria’s emergency number, 112.

The VP gave the order on Thursday when he met with a delegation from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), led by the Chairman of its Governing Board, Chief Idris Ibikunle Olorunnimbe, at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday.

According to a statement from the IT’S office, the directive follows the approval of the National Economic Council (NEC) to adopt 112 as Nigeria’s national emergency number for use by all levels of government and relevant agencies as part of efforts to establish a unified emergency response system.

During the meeting, Shettima directed the NCC to develop a roadmap for implementing the initiative and to collaborate with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to improve coordination of emergency response services across the country.

He assured the delegation that the project would be sustained, noting that the required funding would be mobilised through the National Economic Council and the private sector.

The Vice President also called for high-level engagement and commitment from emergency responders to drive the successful implementation of the 112 initiative.

Earlier, Olorunnimbe disclosed that the NCC had already established about 35 Emergency Communications Centres nationwide and called for stronger collaboration with state governments and emergency response agencies to keep the facilities operational.

He stressed that governors, the Nigeria Police Force, ambulance services and the National Emergency Management Agency must work together to ensure timely assistance for people facing emergencies.

“Everyone is expected to buy into this initiative and recognise its importance. It is a patriotic duty to our country to ensure that anyone in distress can get the help they need in a very swift manner,” he added.