The Senate on Tuesday took a major step toward overhauling Nigeria’s emergency response system as lawmakers began the second reading of a bill that seeks to introduce a single, toll-free emergency number for all Nigerians.
The proposed legislation, titled “A Bill for an Act to Establish the National Emergency Toll Service (NETS),” aims to replace the confusing network of multiple helplines with one unified, easy-to-remember three-digit number.
Leading the debate, Senator Yar’adua Musa (Katsina Central) explained that the bill would harmonise all emergency lines—ranging from the police and fire service to medical and domestic violence helplines—into one coordinated national platform. He noted global examples, citing the UK’s 999, the US 911, and India’s single emergency line introduced in 2014.
He said Nigeria’s current system, which varies from state to state, slows down response times and often leaves citizens confused, especially during critical situations.
Under the proposed law, any call or text to the new number would be routed automatically to the nearest emergency response centre.
Senators supporting the bill highlighted that with mobile phone usage approaching 90% nationwide, Nigeria already has the infrastructure needed to operate a unified emergency system.
Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South) argued that a reliable emergency number would help address security challenges, while Senator Tahir Monguno (Borno North) said the change would finally remove the barriers preventing citizens from effectively reporting emergencies.
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Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin praised the initiative, calling it a “major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s emergency response.”
The bill has been forwarded to the Senate Committee on Communications, which is expected to provide a report in four weeks.
If passed, the Nigerian Communications Commission will oversee the new system and manage coordination among first responders nationwide. Lawmakers say the reform could significantly improve public safety and allow Nigerians to access urgent help more quickly and reliably.
