Numbering Overview

One of the functions of the National Communications Authority (NCA), as a regulator of the communication sector, is to manage the national numbering resource. NCA’s number management function, and its objectives, duties, and powers in relation to that function, are set out in Section 9, articles 55, 56, 57 the National Communications Act 2017 (the “Act”).

Under the Act, NCA has a duty to:

• Publish the National Telephone Numbering Plan, setting out the telephone numbers available for allocation and any restrictions on how they may be adopted or used.
• Assign numbers for existing services § Develop frameworks for new and innovative services
• Ensure that numbers are used in accordance with their conditions of use as set out in NCA Regulations.
• Monitor number utilization and implement number changes when and where required.

NCA has developed a National Numbering Plan, which is in line with ITU Standard E.164.

The minimum number length (excluding the International Prefix) is Seven (7) digits

The maximum number length (excluding the International Prefix) is fifteen (15) digits.

Country code = 252

International Prefix = 00

National Prefix = 0

The Numbering Plan outline:

Part A describes the minimum and maximum numbers length, the country codes, national access codes format, and fixed telephony codes format.

Part B sets out the Numbering Plan for geographically fixed telephony services and nongeographical mobile telephony services.

PART C sets out the National Emergency and safety codes.

PART D sets out other codes such as International Signalling Point Codes (ISPC), Mobile Country Codes, and Mobile Network Codes (MCC – MNC).

All service providers are required by the numbering plan and numbering regulations set out by the National Communications Authority. No numbering resource can be used without authorization from the authority. NCA will not be liable for any loss due to the use of unauthorized numbering resources.