The change was in keeping with its responsibilities under the enabling law, the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, to manage Nigeria’s numbering resources.
The change was stated in a press release by the NCC Director of Public Affairs, Rueben Muoka.
“In the process, Nigeria’s Fixed-Lines Numbering Format has changed from eight digits to 10 digits by just adding “02” prefix before existing fixed number.
“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.
“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 as stated in the release.
Demonstrating the new fixed-lines format, NCC stated: “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 Commission also informed the public that the change affected on fixed telephone numbers, while the existing mobile numbering format remains as it were.
“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,” it added.
NCC further stated that the announcement was in line with one of its key responsibilities and in conformity with international best practices.
“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),” NCC added.
