The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani and the Nigerian Communications Commission and other relevant agencies are spearheading efforts to harmonise emergency numbers under the 112 platform, the minister said on Thursday.
The meeting, attended by heads of key agencies, focused on 112 emergency number service solutions and was facilitated by the telecommunications regulator in Abuja.
“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,” Tijani said on X (formerly Twitter).
The NCC established the 112 emergency number as the national toll-free number for citizens to report emergencies to the police, fire service, ambulance service, etc., across the country.
The number is linked to Emergency Communication Centres that are currently operational in 27 states, with plans to expand to all 36 states by 2024.
The ECCs are equipped with modern facilities like call-response systems, digital maps, and GPS to help responders quickly locate distressed individuals.
At the meeting, the Ministry of Interior agreed to play a key role in harmonizing existing emergency numbers under the 112 platform, creating a more efficient system for 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 harmonise all existing emergency numbers under the 112 number, transforming it into a more efficient platform for managing emergency communications in Nigeria, ” Tijani explained.
Further, the minister noted the collaboration will enhance internal security, emergency response, and ancillary services, demonstrating the government’s commitment to leveraging technology for improved service delivery.