The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced a new numbering format for fixed lines in the country.
In a statement on Wednesday by the Commission’s, Director Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, the change is in line with the Nigerian Communications Act ( NCA) 2023 which empowers the NCC to mange the nation’s numbering resources .
The nation’s telecom regulator said,”in the process, Nigeria’s Fixed-Lines Numbering Format has changed from eight digits to 10 digits by just adding “02” prefix before existing fixed number.
“The Commission hereby informs the public of the changes and also clarifies that existing numbers will continue to operate concurrently till the cut-over date of December 31, 2023. From January 1, 2024, the new numbering format beginning with “02” prefix will be operational.
“In other words, the old and new number formats are allowed to run concurrently till the cut-over date (December 31, 2023). Thereafter (from January 1, 2024), the new fixed-lines format will assume full recognition across all networks.
“For example, in the new order, to dial the hitherto existing number, 09461700, please dial 02094617000.
“Additional examples are: For Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano’s current number format of 014630643, 094630643, 084460643and 064460643, will now be 02014630643, 02094630643, 02084460643 and 02064460643respectively in the new numbering format,”
However the commission added that,”it is important to note that the change only affects the Fixed Telephone Numbers. There is NO CHANGE to the existing mobile numbering format.
“The announcement is made to give expression to a key responsibility of the NCC and it is consistent with the practices of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations arm supervising Information and Communication Technologies (ICT),” the statement said.
