The Federal Government of Nigeria is moving towards the nationwide adoption of 112 as the country’s one universal, toll-free emergency number.
For years, Nigerians have had to use different emergency numbers for different incidents. Sometimes these numbers are even too long to remember. A single general number means any citizen facing a fire, road crash, medical crisis, security threat, or other emergency can dial it. The single number is memorisable and get help without delay.
SEE ALSO: Lasisi Elenu Calls on Tinubu, 36 Governors to Fix Nigeria’s Failing Healthcare System
How the Move Started
The National Economic Council, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, formally approved 112 as the national emergency number. This was during its 157th meeting on April 30, 2026,
In July 2026, Shettima met with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) leadership. He directed the preparation of a detailed operational roadmap. By then, the NCC had already established about 35 Emergency Communications Centres across the country to support the system.
Most recently, on September 8, the federal government moved the project into its next practical phase. A committee has been tasked with finalising the roadmap and standard operating procedures for formal endorsement by the National Economic Council. The committee is made up of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Communications Commission, the National Emergency Management Agency. It also has the Federal Road Safety Corps, and other key agencies.
SEE ALSO: Senator Solomon Adeola Reveals Plan to Appoint Ogogo as Special Adviser If He Becomes Governor
Previous Emergency Numbers Still in Use
Callers have had to remember or search for different numbers depending on the nature of the crisis and the state they are in. Among the numbers still in use are:
- 199 is commonly associated with police, ambulance, and fire services
- 122 is for the Federal Road Safety Corps
- 767 in Lagos State
There is also a wide range of state police command lines that are usually 11-digit numbers, and specialised agency hotlines used by citizens in different parts of the country.
While 112 has already been operating in limited form through the Emergency Communications Centres, it is now being elevated to the single national standard that will replace this patchwork.
About The Author
