The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has officially introduced a new numbering format for fixed-line telephone numbers across the country. This change aligns with the NCC’s responsibilities outlined in the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003, which grants it authority over the management of the nation’s numbering resources.
According to a statement released by the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, the new numbering format involves extending the previous eight-digit fixed-line numbers to ten digits by adding the prefix “02” before the existing fixed-line number.
The NCC has further clarified that the existing fixed-line numbers will continue to be operational concurrently until the end of the year 2023. Starting from January 1, 2024, the new ten-digit format will become the standard for fixed-line telephone numbers in Nigeria.
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 the “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.”
The telecom regulator emphasized 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.
