In Nigeria, several agencies provide help during accidents, medical crises, fires, or security threats. For swift response during emergencies, it is essential to have access to the right contact numbers. Having emergency numbers saved on your phone ensures that you can reach the right service quickly when needed.
Whether you are a native resident or a foreigner who just settled or plans to settle in Nigeria, you need to know Nigerian emergency numbers in case you run into trouble. Here are nine essential emergency numbers you need to know in Nigeria. This is the result of extensive research and the information is up-to-date.
Emergency numbers are more than just digits, they are lifelines that link people to critical help in moments of crisis. When you dial an emergency number, your call is routed to a dispatch center where trained operators assess the situation and coordinate the right response.
Calling an emergency number is more than just dialing digits. Stay calm and speak clearly. Provide your exact location and give your contact details. If you cannot reach one service, consider calling another relevant agency.
Take a moment today to save these important numbers. Share them with your family, friends, and colleagues.
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List of Emergency Numbers in Nigeria
1. Nigeria’s Toll-Free Emergency Numbers
The first essential emergency number you need to know in Nigeria is 112 by the Nigerian Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). NEMA is the primary emergency response organization in Nigeria. They are responsible for responding to natural and man-made disasters and ensuring that help is provided to people in need.
- National Emergency Hotline Number: 112
- Description: The 112 number serves to provide a national number to Nigerians who are in need of health-related emergencies or need access to Emergency Response Agencies (ERAs) in life-threatening situations.
- Cost: Toll-free, 24/7
- Specification: All forms of emergency situations such as road accidents, fire outbreaks, burglary, medical emergencies, etc.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) can be reached through the emergency number - 112, or 767.
Yes, numbers like 112 (national emergency line) and 767 (Lagos State) are toll-free. Yes, toll-free emergency numbers work without airtime. For a quick response, call 112 (toll-free) or the Federal Fire Service at 0803 200 3557. If you cannot get through, try another emergency line or switch networks.
2. Medical Emergency Numbers
The ambulance emergency number - 767, is essential if you or someone you know requires medical attention. Are you in Lagos and need an ambulance?
- Lagos Emergency Hotline Number: 767
- Cost: Toll-free, 24/7
- Specification: All forms of emergency interventions
The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) emergency line, “(+234) 803 123 0430”, is another important number to know in case of an emergency.
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The National Hospital Abuja emergency line - 09030097889, is an important number for those in need of medical attention in the Abuja area.
At Emergency Response Africa, we work to make sure medical help reaches people quickly when it’s needed most.
3. Security and Law Enforcement Emergency Numbers
The Nigerian Police Force inquiry number - 08037168147, is the number to dial for inquiries relating to crime or security challenges. Note that there are more streamlined numbers for each state you are traveling to.
The Federal Fire Service emergency number - 08032003557 or 112, is an important number to know in case of a fire emergency.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) emergency line - 122, is essential for those who are involved in or witness a road accident.
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The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) emergency line (+234)09 462 1400 or 09 462 1410, is important for those experiencing power outages or other electrical emergencies.
4. Gender-Based Violence and Mental Health Emergency Numbers
There are several helplines available to support mental health and address gender-based violence:
- National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Number: 08006472428
- Description: The Commission serves as an extra-judicial mechanism for the respect and enjoyment of human rights. It also provides avenues for public enlightenment, research, and dialogue in order to raise awareness on Human Rights issues.
- Cost: Toll free
- Specification: Human Rights Violations
- Lagos Suicide Hotlines, by the Lagos State Government: 08058820777, 09030000741
- Cost: Toll-free, 24/7
- Specification: Suicide intervention
- Suicide Research and Prevention Initiative (SURPIN): 09080217555 (9mobile), 09034400009 (MTN), 08142241007 (Hausa), 08000787746 (toll free)
- Description: SURPIN is the most structured and comprehensive national suicide prevention organization in Nigeria, established for the purpose of suicide prevention through research, promotion of mental well-being, crisis intervention, health education, early treatment of depression and drug abuse.
- Location: Lagos, Nigeria
- Cost: Toll free
- Specification: Suicide interventions
- The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA): 0800 1020 3040
- Description: The vision of the NDLEA is to become the most proactive and leading Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Africa and one of the best in the world. Through services and programming, they create better lives for Nigerians by improving the way they think, feel and behave.
- Location: Abuja, Nigeria
- Cost implications: Toll free, 24/7
- Specification: Mental health. Also offers free virtual therapy, here: www.calendly.com/therapy
- SWW Nigerian Suicide Prevention Initiative Counselling Centre: 08062106493, 08092106493, 08092106493
- Description: The Nigeria Suicide Prevention (NSP) is the leading national not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education, and advocacy. NSP’s mission is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicidal thoughts, raise awareness of mental issues with a view to preventing suicides.
- Cost: Toll-free, 24/7
- Specification: Suicide interventions
- Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI): 08091116264, 08111680686
- Description: Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI) is Nigeria’s largest youth-run and youth-focused mental health organization. MANI is a community of young people who champion the fight against mental health-related stigma and create an environment that makes it possible for people to seek care for their mental health without fear of discrimination. The Foundation provides the ideal response to children through a 24-hour free child telephone helpline and its child-friendly Child Advocacy Centre based in Lagos, which provides professional counselling, medical, legal and psycho-social support, as well as referral services.
- Cost: Toll Free, 24/7
- Specification: Mental health, child sexual abuse
- TruthShare:
- Description: Truthshare is improving the mental health of Nigerians by leveraging technology to provide a safe space where people can openly and anonymously express themselves, share their stories with our supportive community, book therapy sessions with professional therapists and live their best lives. Our suicide helpline is accessible for free on our app.
Table of Emergency Numbers in Nigeria
| Service | Number | Description | Cost | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Emergency Hotline | 112 | Health-related emergencies, access to Emergency Response Agencies (ERAs) | Toll-free, 24/7 | Road accidents, fire outbreaks, burglary, medical emergencies, etc. |
| Lagos Emergency Hotline | 767 | Emergency interventions in Lagos | Toll-free, 24/7 | All forms of emergency interventions |
| National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) | 08006472428 | Mechanism for respect and enjoyment of human rights | Toll-free | Human Rights Violations |
| Lagos Suicide Hotlines | 08058820777, 09030000741 | Suicide intervention in Lagos | Toll-free, 24/7 | Suicide intervention |
| Suicide Research and Prevention Initiative (SURPIN) | 09080217555, 09034400009, 08142241007, 08000787746 | Suicide prevention through research, crisis intervention, and treatment | Toll-free | Suicide interventions |
| National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) | 0800 1020 3040 | Proactive Drug Law Enforcement Agency | Toll-free, 24/7 | Mental health |
| SWW Nigerian Suicide Prevention Initiative Counselling Centre | 08062106493, 08092106493, 08092106493 | Understanding and preventing suicide through research, education, and advocacy | Toll-free, 24/7 | Suicide interventions |
| Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI) | 08091116264, 08111680686 | Youth-run mental health organization | Toll-free, 24/7 | Mental health, child sexual abuse |
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