By CALLISTUS OFFOR, Abuja –
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), announced in Abuja on Wednesday new numbering format for fixed lines.
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’s Director, Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, who made this known in a statement, explained that the decision was “in keeping with its responsibilities under the enabling law, the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, to manage Nigeria’s numbering resources.”
He said it was necessary to inform the public of the changes and also clarify that existing numbers would 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,” Muoka said.
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.
“For example, in the new order, to dial the hitherto existing number, 09461700, please dial 02094617000,” he said.
He gave additional examples as follows: 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.
“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,” he emphasized.
He further explained that the announcement ass 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).”
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