The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved adoption of 112 as Nigeria’s national emergency number across all levels and relevant agencies.
NEC also approved the establishment of a multi-agency implementation committee led by the Office of the Vice President and Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The decisions were taken at the 157th NEC meeting held virtually and chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Shettima said a unified 112 emergency lifeline had become necessary to prevent delays caused by bureaucratic bottlenecks during disasters or insecurity.
“Citizens do not need bureaucracy. They need a response. They need to know one number to call, one system to trust, and one coordinated chain of action,” he stated.
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He explained that while 112 emergency number had been in existence, coordination, standard operating procedures, public awareness, and institutional ownership were now required.
Shettima described NEC as the nation’s economic engine room, insisting that federal and state governments must convert Renewed Hope Agenda into practical outcomes.
“We cannot build our way to a one-trillion-dollar economy by federal effort alone. We cannot create millions of jobs by speeches alone,” the vice president said.
NEC also received a presentation on rehabilitation of police training institutions from an ad hoc committee led by Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State.
Council urged the Ministry of Finance to expedite release of approved funds for project take-off and asked the committee to ensure national spread by capturing training institutions in each geopolitical zone.