Lagos: The Lagos State Command and Control Centre reported receiving more than 12 million nuisance calls in 2025, sparking concerns about the misuse of toll-free emergency lines in the state. Mr. Femi Giwa, the General Manager of the centre, highlighted the issue during an interview in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Giwa expressed concern over the high volume of prank and false calls, which are hindering effective emergency response. Giwa noted that these calls consume time meant for genuine emergencies and, in some cases, delay life-saving interventions. In 2025 alone, over three million calls were abandoned, further complicating response efforts.
The centre acts as a central coordination hub, managing communication and deployment for first responders, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Rapid Response Squad, and other key agencies. Residents can access emergency services through toll-free numbers 112 and 767, which connect directly to the centre.
Giwa explained that when a call is received, agents process and escalate the information within two minutes to the relevant agency for dispatch. However, prank calls make it difficult for those in distress to get through promptly. False distress reports sometimes lead to unnecessary deployment of resources, diverting attention from actual incidents.
With Lagos’s population estimated at over 20 million, the centre has decentralized its assets, such as ambulance points and fire stations, to ensure rapid response. Strategic positioning allows first responders to arrive at scenes within five to 10 minutes in many cases, but efficiency depends on responsible use of the emergency lines.
Giwa urged residents to avoid prank, test, or abusive calls and to provide accurate information when reporting emergencies. Misuse of emergency numbers can be life-threatening, and residents are encouraged to allow the system to function effectively for all.
He also appealed for responsible use of emergency lines and emphasized the importance of giving right of way to emergency vehicles, to maintain the efficiency of response efforts.