NCC announces change to fixed lines numbering format

From Abdulfatah Babatunde

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced a new numbering format for fixed lines in the nation’s telephoning system.

Reuben Muoka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, announced this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to him, the new format is in keeping with NCC’s responsibilities under the enabling law, the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, to manage Nigeria’s numbering resources.

“In the process, 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 hereby informs the public of the changes. Also, it clarifies that existing numbers will continue to operate concurrently till the cut-over date of Dec. 31.

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

“In other words, the old and new number formats are allowed to run concurrently till the cut-over date (Dec. 31).

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“Thereafter (from Jan. 1, 2024), the new fixed-lines format will assume full recognition across all networks,” the statement read in part.

For example, Mauka stated that in the new order, “to dial the hitherto existing number, 09461700, please dial 02094617000.

For Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano’s current number format of 014630643, 094630643, 084460643 and 064460643, it would now be 02014630643, 02094630643, 02084460643 and 02064460643 respectively.

However, the Commission said the change only affects the Fixed Telephone Numbers. “There is no change to the existing mobile numbering format.

The change in numbering format, it stated, is consistent with the practices of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations arm supervising Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).

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