September 20, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced a new numbering format for fixed lines.
NCC Director, Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, in a statement, said the fixed-lines numbering format has changed from eight digits to 10 digits by just adding “02” prefix before existing fixed number, adding that the decision was part of the Commission’s “responsibilities under the enabling law, the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, to manage Nigeria’s numbering resources.”
Muoka said existing numbers would 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,” Muoka said, adding 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.
“For example, in the new order, to dial the hitherto existing number, 09461700, please dial 02094617000,” he said.
He gave additional examples as follows: 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.
“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,” he emphasised.
