Emmanuel OchayiIn a significant development for Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has officially announced a change in the numbering format for fixed telephone lines, expanding from the previous eight-digit format to a new ten-digit format.
This change will be implemented by adding the “02” prefix before existing fixed numbers.
The NCC, acting within its regulatory mandate as stipulated by the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) of 2003, unveiled this alteration to manage and streamline Nigeria’s numbering resources effectively.
The new numbering format is set to go live on January 1, 2024, but the NCC has also emphasized that existing eight-digit numbers will continue to operate concurrently until the cut-over date, which is December 31, 2023.
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After this transition period, the new ten-digit format, commencing with the “02” prefix, will become the standard for all fixed-line telephone numbers across the country.
This change applies exclusively to Fixed Telephone Numbers, and it is essential to note that there will be no modifications to the existing mobile numbering format.
The NCC’s decision aligns with international telecommunications practices, specifically those endorsed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a United Nations agency responsible for overseeing Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).
For a clearer understanding of the transition, here are a few examples:
- The current number 09461700 will become 02094617000.
- For locations such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano, with current number formats like 014630643, 094630643, 084460643, and 064460643, the new numbering format will be 02014630643, 02094630643, 02084460643, and 02064460643, respectively.
This strategic change in Nigeria’s fixed-line numbering format underscores the NCC’s commitment to ensuring efficient and organized telecommunications services for the nation’s growing population.
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