Established in 1992, The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is the independent regulatory authority for the telecommunications industry in Nigeria. Just giving a quick education in case you need the information for an interview.

The NCC recently in a press statement announced a transition in Nigeria’s fixed lines from the existing eight-digit format to a new 10-digit format by a simple addition of the “02” prefix before the current fixed-line numbers.

The decision by the NCC to introduce this updated numbering format is in line with international telecommunications standards and the guidelines established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a United Nations organization that oversees global Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).

As the regulatory body for Nigeria’s telecommunications industry, the NCC announced this modification in alignment with its obligations outlined in the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) of 2003.

The key aim of this alteration is to simplify and update the numbering system, aiming for a more efficient allocation of resources to meet the increasing demand for fixed-line services.

In other words, the old and new number formats willallowed 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.

To better understand all I have been saying, in the new format. For instance, to dial an existing number like 09461700, you will now have to dial 02094617000 from January 1 2024.

“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.