Nigerian Communications Commission announces change in fixed lines numbering format

 

 

 

 

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The Nigerian Communications Commission Wednesday announced a new numbering format for fixed lines across the country.

 

 

 

The NCC said the change in numbering format for fixed lines is in line with its responsibilities under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, to manage the nation’s numbering resources.

 

 

 

In a statement signed by the commission’s Director, Public Affairs. Reuben Muoka, the NCC stated that the new numbering format has changed from eight digits to 10 digits by just adding “02” prefix before the existing fixed number.

 

 

 

The commission said the existing numbers will continue to work concurrently till the end of the year 2023, adding that the new format will be operational from January 1, 2024.

 

 

 

 

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The statement read,

“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.”

 

 

 

It added,

“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, 084460643 and 064460643 will now be 02014630643, 02094630643, 02084460643 and 02064460643 respectively in the new numbering format.”

 

 

 

 

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The telecom regulator emphasised that the new numbering format is specific only to fixed telephone numbers, and not the existing mobile numbering format.

 

 

 

 

While noting that it’s the commission’s key responsibility, the NCC said the announcement is consistent with the practices of the International Telecommunication Union, the United Nations arm supervising Information and Communication Technologies.