The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, announced new numbering format for fixed lines.
It however, said that the change only affects the Fixed Telephone Numbers as there is NO CHANGE to the existing mobile numbering format.
The Commission said that the move is in keeping with its responsibilities under the enabling law, the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, to manage Nigeria’s numbering resources.
Accordingly, the 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 in a statement by its Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Reuben Muoka, explained that the existing numbers will continue to operate concurrently till the cut-over date of December 31, 2023.
According to the NCC; “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, 084460643 and 064460643, will now be 02014630643, 02094630643, 02084460643 and 02064460643 respectively in the new numbering format,” it said.
The Commission said that this announcement is to give expression to a key responsibility of the NCC adding that it is consistent with the practices of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations arm supervising Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).
