A new numbering code for fixed lines has been unveiled by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The Commission said that by simply adding the “02” prefix before the current fixed number, Nigeria’s Fixed-Lines Numbering Format has been altered from eight to ten digits.
The Commission “hereby informs the public of the changes and also clarifies that existing numbers will continue to operate concurrently until the cut-over date of December 31, 2023,” according to a statement by NCC. The new numbering scheme with the “02” prefix will be in use as of January 1, 2024.
“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.
“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 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, NCC clarified.