The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has taken steps to enhance its management of Nigeria’s numbering resources, by introducing a new numbering format for fixed lines as mandated by the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003.
The revised format will see Nigeria’s fixed-lines numbering format transition from eight to 10 digits, with the addition of “02” as a prefix before the existing fixed numbers. The NCC has informed the public of these changes and clarified that existing numbers will remain operational alongside the new format until the designated cut-over date of December 31, 2023. Starting from January 1, 2024, the new numbering format, beginning with the “02” prefix, will become the standard for all fixed lines.
This means that both the old and new numbering formats will coexist until the cut-over date in December 2023. After this date, commencing from January 1, 2024, the new fixed-lines format, incorporating the “02” prefix, will be fully recognised across all networks.
For example, to dial a previously existing number like 09461700, the new format will require dialling 02094617000. This change applies to fixed telephone numbers and does not impact the existing mobile numbering format.
The director of public affairs for the NCC, Reuben Muoka stated that this announcement aligns with the NCC’s commitment to fulfilling its key responsibilities and is consistent with the practices of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations agency overseeing Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).
