NCC announces change to fixed lines numbering format  

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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced a new numbering format for fixed lines.

Reuben Muoka, the Director of Public Affairs at NCC, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

The Commission stated that this is in keeping with its 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 the “02” prefix before the existing fixed number.

“The Commission hereby informs the public of the changes and clarifies that existing numbers will continue to operate concurrently till the December 31, 2023 cut-over date. From January 1, 2024, the new numbering format beginning with the “02” prefix will be operational”, NCC said.

In other words, the old and new number formats can run concurrently until the cut-over date (December 31, 2023). After that (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.

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.

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.

The announcement is made to express a key responsibility of the NCC. It is consistent with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) practices, the United Nations arm supervising Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).

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