By: Mercy Peter
The Federal Government is tinkering with the idea of adopting a harmonised emergency number for the country, NewsSpecng learnt.
Consequently, stakeholders in the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) and Ministry of Interiohahave been saddled with the responsibility to harmonise all existing emergency numbers under the 112 number.
The 112 number is a universal emergency number used in many countries.
This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to leveraging technology for improved public service delivery.
The adoption, will lead to a single point of contact for various emergencies, which will ultimately lead to efficiency in emergency response.
Dr. ’Bosun Tijani, Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, stated this while receiving Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, Honourable Minister for Interior, to his office in Abuja, FCT, recently.
Tijani noted the Minister’s visit was to engage and explore ways of further deepening the delivery of government services to Nigerian consumers through the application of technology.
He noted the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had facilitated the harmonised 112 Number to relevant government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) responsible for internal security, emergency response, and other ancillary services in the country.
Tijani also said: “We presented our emergency number service solution, 112 – facilitated by the Nigerian Communications Commission to the Minister and Heads of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Federal Fire Service (FSS), who have the mandate to enhance internal security, emergency response, and other ancillary services.”
The Minister said both FMCIDE and Ministry of Interior have a significant role to play, as both “collaborate to harmonise all existing emergency numbers under the 112 number, transforming it into a more efficient platform for managing emergency communications in Nigeria.”
Highlighting the significance of the agreement via his X handle, Tijani said: “The Ministry of Interior will now play an active role in aligning all stakeholders. Together, our ministries will harmonize all existing emergency numbers under the 112 number. This will transform it into a more efficient platform for managing emergency communications in Nigeria.”
