Lifeline in a Crisis: 5 Essential Emergency Numbers in Nigeria You Must Know

​In any emergency, whether it’s a medical crisis, a fire, a road accident, or a security threat, the ability to act fast and call the right number can be the difference between life and death.

​While the emergency response system in Nigeria is continually evolving, there are a handful of numbers that citizens and residents should have memorized or saved on their phones. Knowing these key lifelines ensures you can quickly connect with the help you need, no matter where you are in the country.

Here are 5 essential emergency numbers in Nigeria that should be on your immediate contact list.

​1. The National Emergency Number: 112

​The number 112 is the most crucial contact and is Nigeria’s official national toll-free emergency line, similar to 911 in the U.S. or 999 in the U.K. It is designed to be a one-stop-shop for most crises.

• ​Service: Connects you to a centralized Emergency Communication Centre (ECC) which dispatches personnel from the Police, Fire Service, Ambulance/Medical Teams, and Disaster Response Agencies.
• ​Availability: Toll-free and increasingly operational across many states, making it the primary number to call if you are unsure of the specific service you need.

Pro-Tip: Since it is toll-free, you can call 112 even with zero credit on your phone.

2. Road Safety Emergency: 122

​For emergencies specifically related to Nigerian roads and highways, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has a dedicated number.

• ​Service: The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) responds to road traffic crashes, provides first aid to accident victims, removes obstructions, and ensures safety on the highways.
• ​Availability: This is the direct, toll-free contact for all road-related emergencies nationwide.

3. Lagos State Unified Emergency Number: 767

​For residents and visitors in Lagos State, which has a very high population density, 767 is an integrated emergency service that complements 112.

• ​Service: This is the primary Lagos State Emergency Response Service (LASEMA) number. It effectively covers Police, Ambulance (LASAMBUS), Fire Service, and Traffic Management services within the state.
• ​Area of Operation: Exclusive to Lagos State.

Note: In Lagos, both 112 and 767 will connect you to the state’s coordinated emergency services.

​4. Police (Nationwide): 199

​While 112 handles all services, including police, you may find 199 as a specific, nationwide police control room number in some states, offering a direct link to the Nigeria Police Force.

• ​Service: Primarily for reporting crimes, security breaches, public disturbances, theft, or any situation requiring immediate law enforcement intervention.
• ​Usage: It’s an alternative to 112 for security-specific concerns across several regions.

​5. Federal Fire Service (Direct Line): 0803 200 3557

​While calling 112 is the standard, in a fire emergency, a direct line to the Fire Service can sometimes be crucial for rapid dispatch.

• ​Service: This is a widely published and operational number for the Federal Fire Service (FFS), which handles fire outbreaks, search and rescue operations, and other fire-related disasters.
• ​Alternative: Always try 112 first, but keep this number as a secondary direct option, especially in areas where 112 might be experiencing high traffic.

Key Takeaways for Any Emergency Call

​When you call any of these numbers, be prepared to give clear, concise information:

1. ​Your Location: Be specific. Mention the street, nearby landmarks (e.g., ‘opposite the Zenith Bank’), and your Local Government Area (LGA) or state.
2. ​The Nature of the Emergency: Clearly state what is happening (e.g., ‘A two-car collision on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway’ or ‘A building is on fire at No. 5, King Street’).
3. ​The Number of Victims/People Involved: Give an estimate of how many people need help.
4. ​Stay Calm: Speak clearly and answer the operator’s questions accurately. Do not hang up until the operator tells you to do so.

​Your preparedness is your first line of defense. Save these numbers now and share this vital information with your family and friends.