Senate Proposes 112 as Nigeria’s Unified Emergency Number

December 2, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke

The Nigerian Senate has proposed the adoption of 112 as the country’s single, uniform emergency telephone and text number, aimed at improving the speed and coordination of emergency response nationwide.

The proposal is contained in a bill sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua, who explained during the lead debate that Nigeria currently operates multiple emergency numbers across various government agencies and security institutions. He noted that this fragmentation often results in delays, confusion, and poor coordination during emergencies.

Senator Yar’adua argued that adopting 112 as the sole, nationwide emergency number would eliminate these challenges and create a more efficient system for citizens to report incidents requiring urgent attention.

According to him, the number 112 is short, easy to memorise, and simple to dial, especially under stressful conditions. He added that the adoption of a unified system aligns with global best practices and will help strengthen Nigeria’s emergency response infrastructure.

The bill is expected to undergo further legislative consideration in the coming weeks.