APC spokesperson's live 112 emergency demo fails on Channels TV
APC presidential campaign spokesperson Alwan Hassan tried to prove Nigeria's 112 emergency number works by calling it live on Channels TV this morning—the call failed to connect. Hassan challenged host Seun Okinbaloye to dial 112 on speaker during their interview, saying many Nigerians don't know about the service modeled after America's 911. When the call didn't go through, Okinbaloye called it another unfulfilled promise from the administration. Hassan acknowledged the failure but said the government needs more time to deliver. Daily Post also attempted to reach 112 afterward and couldn't connect.
This matters because 112 is supposed to be Nigeria's universal lifeline—one number for police, fire, and ambulance emergencies nationwide. If it's not working, citizens in crisis have no reliable national line to call. The failure on live TV exposes a gap in basic public safety infrastructure that affects every Nigerian.
Right now, don't rely solely on 112 for emergencies. Save your state's specific emergency numbers: Lagos (767, 112), FCT (112, 0800-...), and direct lines for police (0800-...), FRSC (122), and fire service. The government says it's working on the system, but until it's reliable, have backups saved in your phone.