NCC announces new fixed telephone numbering format

*The Nigerian Communications Commission also clarifies the existing fixed telephone numbers will continue to operate concurrently till December 31, 2023, while the new numbering format starting  with “02” prefix will become operational from January 1, 2024

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced a new numbering format for fixed telephone lines in the country.

The telecoms sector regulatory Commission, which noted this in a statement dated September 19, 2023, said the development was in consonance with its responsibilities under the enabling law, the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, to manage Nigeria’s numbering resources.

Consumer dialling a fixed telephone number   Photo: iStock

Mr. Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs at NCC, stated that in the process, Nigeria’s Fixed-Lines Numbering Format had changed from eight digits to 10 digits by just adding “02” prefix before existing fixed number.

The telecoms sector regulator said: “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.

Activating Nigeria’s new fixed-lines numbering format 

From January 1, 2024, the new numbering format beginning with “02” prefix will be operational, stated the NCC.

The Commission also stated that 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 said.

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 statement further noted, “however, it is important to note that the change only affects the Fixed Telephone Numbers. There is NO CHANGE to the existing mobile numbering format.”

According to NCC, the announcement is being made to give expression to a key responsibility of the regulatory Commission, and it is consistent with the practices of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations (UN) arm, supervising Information and Communications Technologies (ICT).