Senate advances bill to create single toll-free national emergency number

The Senate on Tuesday took a major step toward overhauling Nigeria’s emergency response system as lawmakers debated a bill seeking the establishment of a single, toll-free national emergency number for all Nigerians.

The proposed law, titled A Bill for an Act to Establish the National Emergency Toll Service (NETS), aims to replace the country’s fragmented network of emergency helplines with one easily memorable three-digit number that links citizens directly to nearby responders.

Leading the debate, sponsor of the bill, Senator Yar’adua Musa (Katsina Central), said the reform would consolidate all existing emergency lines—including those for the police, fire service, medical emergencies, and gender-based violence—into one unified platform.

He noted that many countries have operated similar systems for decades, citing the United Kingdom’s 999 line launched in 1937, the United States’ 911 introduced in 1968, and India’s adoption of a single emergency line in 2014.

“Numbers like 911 and 999 have saved countless lives by simplifying access to help,” Musa said, adding that Nigeria’s multiple helplines, particularly in major states such as Lagos, often create confusion and slow down responses.

Describing the current setup as “counterproductive during emergencies,” Musa said the bill would ensure that any call or text to the new national number is automatically directed to the nearest response centre.

Senators supporting the bill argued that with mobile penetration approaching 90 per cent, Nigeria now has the technological infrastructure to operate a unified emergency system.

Backing the proposal, Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South) said the reform would help close communication gaps between citizens and security agencies.

“If we do this, we will significantly strengthen our security architecture and address many of the criminalities in the country,” Ndume said.

Senator Tahir Monguno (Borno North) said the long-standing call for citizens to “report what they see” has been weakened by the confusing array of emergency helplines.

“This bill gives real expression to that call.

“A dedicated, toll-free national line removes the barriers created by multiple numbers,” he said.

Presiding, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin commended the initiative, describing it as a transformative step for national safety.

“This bill will greatly improve our emergency response mechanisms and is a positive development for the country,” he noted.

The Senate referred the bill to the Committee on Communications, which is expected to present its findings within four weeks.

If passed, the Nigerian Communications Commission will be mandated to regulate the system, coordinate emergency responders and ensure universal nationwide access.

Lawmakers say the unified number could significantly enhance Nigeria’s ability to respond quickly and efficiently during life-threatening situations.