Short answer. In an emergency in Nigeria, call 112. It is toll-free and routes your call to an Emergency Communication Centre, which contacts the police, fire service, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) or an ambulance 1. The NCC lists 31 active centres across the six geopolitical zones 2, and in 2026 the National Economic Council adopted 112 at all levels while a federal committee prepares the nationwide rollout 34.
Which numbers should everyone in Nigeria know?
| Number | For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 112 | All emergencies | Toll-free; Emergency Communication Centres pass the call to fire service, police, FRSC, ambulance and others 1. NIHSA also gives 112 for flood emergencies 8 |
| 199 | Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) | Listed as its "24/7 Emergency Hotline" 5 |
| +234 (0) 9 291 4164 | NSCDC, to report incidents | 5 |
| 0803 200 3557 | Federal Fire Service headquarters, Abuja | The site also lists 112 6 |
| 6232 | Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) | Toll-free call centre 7 |
How does 112 work in Nigeria?
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has built Emergency Communication Centres, one planned per state and in the Federal Capital Territory 12. "All telecom operators will be mandated to route emergency calls through the dedicated three-digit toll free number, 112, from each state to the emergency centre within that state," and operators in the centre then contact the responding agency 1. The NCC's charter lists 31 active or operational centres and work to complete the remaining five 2. It also lists two limits: many hoax or non-emergency calls, and the "Non-adoption of 112 number as the sole emergency line by Response Agencies" 2.
On 30 April 2026 the National Economic Council approved 112 as the National Emergency Number "at all levels and across relevant agencies" 3. On 8 September 2026 the Vice President asked a committee of the Nigeria Police Force, NCC, NEMA, FRSC and other agencies to finalise the roadmap and operating procedures for the nationwide rollout 4. Until then, agencies and states also keep their own lines.
Which organisations are responsible?
| Organisation | Role |
|---|---|
| National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) | Coordinates disaster management; six zonal offices 9 |
| State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) | Disaster management in each state 10 |
| Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) | Flood and drought outlooks 8 |
| Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) | 112 Emergency Communication Centres 1 |
| Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) | Evacuation, shelters for civilians, rescue 10 |
| Federal Fire Service | Fire and rescue 6 |
| Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) | Disease outbreaks 7 |
Weather warnings come from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet); see the alerts page.
How should I keep these numbers?
Write 112 and your state emergency agency's number on paper as well as in your phone, and keep the paper with your documents. Our family emergency plan and important documents guides explain how.
Frequently asked questions
Is 112 free in Nigeria?
Yes. The NCC describes 112 as a toll-free number 1.
Does 112 work in every state?
The NCC listed 31 active centres, with five more to complete 2. A national rollout plan was being prepared in September 2026 4.
Is there a separate police number?
The Nigeria Police Force website did not answer when Phaenyx checked, so no police line is listed here from an official page. 112 reaches the police 1.
Who do I call in a flood?
Your State Emergency Management Agency or NEMA; NIHSA gives 112 8.
Preparedness index: Nigeria ranks 65th of 67, 19/100 · full ranking
Sources · 10
- Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) · Emergency Communications Centres (ECC) checked 2026-11-13
- Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) · Special Duties Department Service Charter checked 2026-11-13
- Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation (Office of the Vice President statement) · NEC Moves To Strengthen National Emergency Response, Okays 112 As Lifeline (30 April 2026) checked 2026-11-13
- Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation (Office of the Vice President statement) · FG Moves To Operationalise 112 National Emergency Number (8 September 2026) checked 2026-11-13
- Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) · Nigeria Security & Civil Defence Corps – Defending the Defenceless (home page) checked 2026-11-13
- Federal Fire Service · Federal Fire Service Nigeria (home page, contact) checked 2026-11-13
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) · Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (home page) checked 2026-11-13
- Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) · Flood & drought information checked 2026-11-13
- National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) · About NEMA checked 2026-11-13
- National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) · National Disaster Risk Management Policy 2018 checked 2026-11-13