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New Fixed Lines Format To Assume Full Recognition Across All Networks January 1, 2024
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Mobile Numbers Not Affected By The Change In Fixed Lines Numbering Format
In keeping with its responsibilities under the enabling law as contained in the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, to manage Nigeria’s numbering resources, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced a new numbering format for fixed lines.
Consequently, Nigeria’s Fixed-Lines Numbering Format has changed from eight digits to 10 digits by just adding “02” prefix before the existing fixed number.
The Commission said 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.
NCC said through a statement on Wednesday morning by its Director, Public Affairs, Mr. Reuben Muoka that 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.”
“For example, in the new order, to dial the hitherto existing number, 09461700, please dial 0209461700.
“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 NCC said it is important to note that the change only affects the Fixed Telephone Numbers as there is ‘NO CHANGE’ to the existing mobile (GSM) numbering format.
“The announcement is made to give expression to a key responsibility of the NCC and it is consistent with the practices of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations arm supervising Information and Communication Technologies (ICT),” the NCC explained.
