NCC Announces Change to Fixed Lines Numbering Format

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced a change to Nigeria’s Fixed-Lines Numbering Format from 8 Digits to 10 Digits by just adding “02” prefix before existing fixed number.

The new change is in fulfilment of NCC’s responsibilities under the enabling law, the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, to manage Nigeria’s numbering resources.

In a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, the Commission informed the public of the change, clarifying that existing fixed line numbers would will continue to operate concurrently till December 31, 2023 while only those with the new “02” prefix will be operational by January 1, 2024.

“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,” the Commission illustrated.

Additional examples given by the commission are that 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.

NCC further noted that the change only affects the Fixed Telephone Numbers, adding that there is no change to the existing mobile numbering format.

“This announcement is made to give expression to a key responsibility of the NCC and is consistent with the practices of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations arm supervising Information and Communication Technologies (ICT),” it said.