Firm transforms emergency response in Nigeria with new application

ALERTE Universal Limited has unveiled a safety platform, Alerte, to bridge the gap between distress and rescue in the Nigerian emergency response systems.

The technology, which is revolutionising how people seek and receive help in critical moments, ensures that emergency response is swift, coordinated, and accessible to all.

Speaking about the app, the Managing Director of Alerte Universal Limited, James Useghan, explained that it is more than just a distress signal, adding that it integrates real-time location sharing, AI-driven safety recommendations, and seamless communication with emergency responders to provide users with immediate assistance. He said he observed the glaring flaws in Nigeria’s emergency response systems for years before developing the app.

His words: “Countless lives were lost because ambulances arrived too late, police hotlines went unanswered, and missing persons cases dragged on for weeks due to a lack of an efficient, unified network. While the problem is particularly severe in Nigeria, it is not unique. Countries like the United Kingdom and the United States also report high numbers of missing persons and delayed emergency responses.

“Understanding these challenges, we envisioned a system that would eliminate unnecessary delays by allowing users to alert trusted individuals, first responders, and even nearby community members within seconds. Alerte was designed with this in mind, offering a user-friendly interface that empowers individuals to take control of their safety.”

On how the app works, Useghan explained: “Alerte operates on a simple yet powerful premise – when users find themselves in distress, they can trigger an alert with a single swipe. The app then shares real-time location data, personal details, and a distress signal with pre-selected emergency contacts. This immediate communication ensures that help is mobilised without the usual bureaucratic delays.

“Beyond personal safety, Alerte also fosters a community-based alert network, where nearby users can respond to distress signals, providing an added layer of security. Whether it’s a fire outbreak, a robbery, a car accident, or a missing person case, Alerte ensures that someone is always listening and ready to act.

“Another standout feature is its AI-driven assistance, which guides users through emergency protocols in real time. Unlike conventional emergency apps that rely solely on automation, Alerte uses a chatbot that offers step-by-step guidance, helping users make informed decisions during a crisis.

“One of the most pressing concerns with any safety technology is privacy. Users want to feel secure without compromising their personal information. Understanding this, we ensured that Alerte only shares data with authorised contacts and emergency responders, and only when explicitly permitted by the user. All data is encrypted and erased after the emergency, reinforcing the app’s commitment to security.”

Useghan said the firm has implemented strategies to ensure Alerte remains accessible to everyone.

“The app is designed to function efficiently with minimal data usage, making it reliable even in areas with low connectivity. Additionally, community representatives have been deployed to raise awareness and assist users in rural areas,” he said.

He noted that while Alerte currently operates as an independent emergency response tool, the firm has a strong commitment to integrating it with official government agencies and private security firms in the near future.

“The ultimate vision is to position Alerte as a global leader in emergency response technology. Over the next five years, we plan to introduce predictive analytics to preempt emergencies before they escalate, implement multilingual support, and integrate with wearable devices for real-time health monitoring.

“Alerte is more than just an app; it is a movement, a lifeline, and a beacon of hope in times of crisis,” he added.