The National Economic Council has approved 112 as a single emergency number to be used across Nigeria.
The decision was taken during the council’s 157th meeting, which was held virtually and led by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The meeting focused on steps to improve how the country responds to emergencies and ensure faster help for citizens in distress.
As part of the move, the council also agreed to set up a joint committee made up of different agencies.
The team will be supervised by the Office of the Vice President along with the Nigerian Communications Commission, and will handle coordination and implementation of the new system.
The aim is to create one simple number that Nigerians can call during emergencies such as accidents, fire outbreaks, crime, health crises, floods, or other dangerous situations.
The government said this will remove delays often caused by too many procedures and scattered response systems.
Shettima explained that during emergencies, people need quick help and clear direction, not long processes. He said having one trusted number will help build a faster and more organised response system that can save lives.
He also noted that the emergency number already exists in some form, but what is needed now is proper coordination, public awareness, and a clear structure that ensures every agency works together smoothly.
The vice president added that the council must focus on actions that bring real change to Nigerians. He said decisions taken at such meetings should improve the lives of ordinary people, including workers, business owners, and those facing emergencies.
