Nigeria Phone Number Format: A Complete Review

Are you seeking to enhance your communication with your clients, partners, or team members in Nigeria? Understanding how to correctly dial a landline or mobile phone number in Nigeria for easy connection, especially when running an international business.

Good communication is among the significant propellers of business success. Lack of appropriate communication results in lost opportunities and misunderstandings. Mastering how to dial a Nigerian phone number will make your communication with your contacts in Nigeria run smoothly and avoid the usual pitfalls that occur when communicating.

Below, find a step-by-step explanation of everything you should know, from the format of the Nigeria phone number to major city area codes and the best times to call from the USA, UK, Australia, and India.

We’ll show you how Nigeria phone number format can streamline your business communications. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!

What is Nigeria Phone Number Format? 

The Nigeria Phone Number Format is a standardized structure that ensures uniformity in communication. It includes:

• Nigeria Country Code (+234): Essential for international dialing.
• Nigeria Area Codes: A unique identifier for regions or cities.
• Local Number: The specific number assigned to an individual or business.

For example, a number in Lagos could look like +234 1 2345678.

Structure of the Nigeria Phone Number Format with Examples

Understanding Nigerian Phone Numbers is important for making calls, whether you’re in Nigeria or calling from another country. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Country Code: 

The country code for Nigeria is +234. This code must be included when you’re calling Nigeria from the USA or outside the country. The + symbol represents the international dialing prefix, and 234 is Nigeria’s unique country code.

When calling from abroad, you need to dial +234 (or 00 234, depending on your country).

For example, if you’re calling from the USA, you’ll start with 011 + 234. This ensures your call reaches Nigeria.

Area Codes:

Area codes in Nigeria are between 1 and 3 digits long and help identify specific cities or regions. These codes are important for directing the call to the right place. Some of the most common area codes in Nigeria are:

• 1: Lagos (the commercial city)
• 9: Abuja (the capital city)
• 64: Kano (a city in the north)
• 84: Port Harcourt (a major city in the south)

When calling within Nigeria, you dial the area code followed by the local number.

Local Number: 

After the area code, Nigerian phone numbers include a local number, which is a unique number assigned to a specific phone. Local numbers are usually 7 to 8 digits long and can be assigned to both landline and mobile phones.

For example:

• In Lagos, a local number could be 234 1 2345678.
• In Port Harcourt, a local number might be 234 84 7654321.

Example Format:

Here’s how a complete Nigerian phone number looks:

Lagos (Landline Example):

+234 1 2345678

• +234 is the country code for Nigeria
• 1 is the area code for Lagos
• 2345678 is the local number for a phone in Lagos.

Mobile Number Example (Port Harcourt):

+234 84 7654321

• +234 is the country code for Nigeria
• 84 is the area code for Port Harcourt
• 7654321 is the local number for a phone in Port Harcourt.

Types of Phone Numbers in Nigeria

Mobile Numbers

Mobile numbers are widely used in Nigeria for personal and business communication. They are typically 11 digits long and include a network-specific prefix.

Format:

+234 X XXX XXXX

• +234: The country code for Nigeria
• X: Network provider’s prefix
• XXX XXXX: Subscriber’s unique number

Common Prefixes:

• 080, 081, 090, and 070 are among the most widely recognized prefixes used by major telecom providers such as MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile.

Example:

• +234 802 345 6789 (MTN Nigeria)
• +234 803 456 7890 (Airtel Nigeria)

Landline Numbers

Landline numbers are less common compared to mobile numbers but remain significant for businesses and governmental offices. These numbers follow a simpler structure and are often associated with specific area codes.

Here are the Landline Phone Number Format Nigeria:

Format:

+234 X XXXXXXX

• +234: The country code for Nigeria
• X: Area code representing a city or region
• XXXXXXX: Unique local number

Example:

• +234 1 2345678 (Lagos)
• +234 84 7654321 (Port Harcourt)

Toll-free numbers

Toll-free numbers in Nigeria allow users to make free calls, typically for customer service or support purposes. These numbers are essential for businesses looking to provide accessible assistance to their customers.

Format:

0800 XXXX

• 0800: The toll-free prefix
• XXXX: Company or service-specific identifier

Usage:

• Toll-free numbers are commonly used by banks, telecom providers, and large organizations for helplines or customer care.

Example:

• 0800 1234 for a bank’s customer service hotline.

How to Dial Nigeria Phone Numbers

Whether you’re dialing a mobile phone number in Nigeria or from within the country or internationally, it’s important to know the correct dialing procedures. Below are the steps on How to Dial Nigeria Phone Numbers in different scenarios.

How to Dial Nigeria Phone Numbers Domestically

When calling within Nigeria, the process is straightforward:

• Dial the Area Code: Every Nigerian phone number has a unique area code, depending on the region or city. Area codes typically range from 1 to 3 digits.
• Dial the Local Number: After the area code, dial the 7-8 digit local number assigned to the individual or business.

Example:

• To call a landline in Lagos, dial:

01 2345678

• To call a mobile phone in Port Harcourt, dial:

084 7654321

Note: When dialing within Nigeria, you don’t need to include the country code (+234). Just dial the area code and local number directly.

How to Dial Nigeria Phone Numbers from Abroad

To call a Nigerian phone number from abroad, follow these steps:

1. Start with the International Dialing Prefix: The prefix varies by country, but the most common ones are:

• USA & Canada: 011
• UK & Europe: 00
• Australia & New Zealand: 0011
• India: 00

1. Dial Nigeria’s Country Code: Nigeria’s country code is +234.
2. Dial the Area Code: The area code for the city or region you’re calling should be included. It’s typically between 1 to 3 digits.
3. Dial the Local Number: After the area code, dial the 7-8 digit local number assigned to the individual or business.

Example:

• To call a landline in Lagos from the USA, dial:

011 + 234 1 2345678

• To call a mobile phone in Port Harcourt from the UK, dial:

00 + 234 84 7654321

Note: When dialing from abroad, always start with +234, the country code for Nigeria.

How to Dial Internationally from Nigeria

If you are in Nigeria and need to make an international call, follow these steps:

1. Dial the International Dialing Prefix for Nigeria: Nigeria’s international dialing prefix is 00.
2. Dial the Country Code: Next, dial the country code for the country you are calling. Country codes are typically 1-3 digits long (for example, the USA is +1, the UK is +44, India is +91).
3. Dial the Area Code and Local Number: After the country code, dial the area code (if applicable) and the local number for the person or business you’re trying to reach.

Example:

• To call a landline in the USA from Nigeria, dial:

00 + 1 + Area Code + Local Number

• To call a mobile number in the UK from Nigeria, dial:

00 + 44 + Area Code + Local Number

Note: Always start with 00 when dialing internationally from Nigeria.

Most Commonly Used Area Codes in Nigeria

Nigeria has 58 area codes that are one or two digits long. Each area code is unique to a specific city. Here are the area codes for some of the most commonly called cities:

Nigeria Major Cities Phone Number Example

Understanding phone number formats is essential for successful dialing, especially when calling major cities in Nigeria. Below, we’ve compiled examples for both landline and mobile numbers to simplify the process for you.

1. Nigerian major cities’ landline number example

Landline numbers in Nigeria typically consist of 5 to 7 digits preceded by the area code and the International Dialing Format for Nigeria. Use this guide to verify the accuracy of your dialed numbers. For this example, we assume a generic landline number 1234567, and an international exit code XXX.

For example, to call a landline in Lagos, you would dial your country’s exit code (XXX), followed by Nigeria’s country code (+234), the Lagos area code (1), and the local number (1234567).

2. Nigeria’s major cities’ mobile number example

Mobile numbers in Nigeria start with specific prefixes that identify the telecom operator, followed by the subscriber’s number. These prefixes vary by provider, but the most popular ones are 803, 806, and 813. The format below assumes a mobile subscriber number of 1234 5678.

For example, when dialing a mobile number in Abuja, start with +234, followed by the mobile prefix (806), and then the subscriber’s number (1234 5678).

Practical Uses for Understanding Nigeria Phone Number Formats

Here are the practical uses for understanding Nigeria phone number formats:

For Businesses and Entrepreneurs

• Build Local Presence: Use numbers with the correct Nigeria code to establish credibility.
• Expand Reach: Toll-free and virtual phone numbers simplify customer communication.

For Tourists and International Visitors

• Navigate Easily: Recognizing the Nigeria Phone Number Structure ensures easier communication.
• Cost Savings: Local SIM cards offer affordable rates.

For Virtual Number Users and Digital Nomads

• Global Accessibility: Virtual numbers adhere to the Nigeria phone number format, enabling international operations.
• Professionalism: Maintain consistency in business communication using virtual setups.

What Is the Best Time To Call Nigeria?

To make sure your calls to Nigeria are effective, it’s important to choose the right time. Nigeria uses West Africa Time (WAT), which is UTC+1. Here’s a simple guide for the best times to call from different countries:

1. From USA

To ensure productive conversations with Nigerian clients or colleagues, it’s best to call during the overlap in working hours. In the USA, the most convenient time is typically in the early morning to early afternoon, depending on your location.

For example, if you’re on Eastern Time (ET) and you call at 9:00 AM, it will be 2:00 PM in Nigeria.

2. From Australia

The time difference between Australia and Nigeria varies depending on the Australian region. Here’s how the time zones align:

For example, if you’re in Sydney (AEST) and you make a call at 10:00 AM, it will be 1:00 AM in Nigeria.

3. From UK

The UK shares the same time zone with Nigeria for most of the year, except during Daylight Saving Time, when the UK shifts to British Summer Time (BST).

For example, if you’re in London (BST) and you call at 11:00 AM, it will also be 11:00 AM in Nigeria.

Final Words 

The Nigerian phone number format is important for making calls easily for personal, business, or online purposes.

In Nigeria, each phone number type, whether landline, mobile, or toll-free, maintains a specific structure. International phone number formats include the country code, area code, and local number. This format ensures that your call will definitely reach the right person or service.

Whatever your reason for needing virtual numbers, starting a business, or staying in touch with family, understanding these formats will help you communicate clearly and confidently in Nigeria.

FAQs

How do I dial a Nigerian phone number from abroad?

To dial a Nigerian phone number from abroad, you need to start with the international dialing prefix (which varies by country, such as 011 for the USA), followed by Nigeria’s country code +234, then the area code (1 to 3 digits), and finally the local number (7 to 8 digits).

Why does Nigeria use the +213 country code?

Nigeria uses the +234 country code because it is a unique number assigned by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to ensure that calls are correctly routed to Nigeria. The + symbol represents the international dialing prefix, and 234 is specifically designated for Nigeria.

Do mobile and landline numbers have the same format in Nigeria?

Both mobile and landline numbers follow a similar structure, but they have different area code prefixes. Landline numbers generally start with area codes, such as 1 for Lagos, while mobile numbers often begin with prefixes like 7, 8, or 9, depending on the network. Both types of numbers contain 7-8 digits after the area code.

What are the area codes for major Nigerian cities like Algiers and Oran?

Here are some of the common area codes for major Nigerian cities:

• 1: Lagos
• 9: Abuja
• 64: Kano
• 84: Port Harcourt

How can I identify a mobile vs. landline number in Nigeria?

Mobile numbers in Nigeria generally begin with prefixes like 7, 8, or 9, depending on the telecom operator. Landline numbers typically have area codes starting with 1, 2, or other digits. If a number begins with 070, 080, or 090, it is likely a mobile number, while numbers starting with 1 or different area codes are usually landline numbers.

How many digits are there in a Nigerian phone number?

A Nigerian phone number typically consists of 10 digits. This includes the country code (+234), the area code (1 to 3 digits), and the local number (7 to 8 digits). Mobile and landline numbers both follow this general format, though mobile numbers may start with different prefixes than landline numbers.

Are there toll-free or emergency numbers in Nigeria, and what’s their format?

Yes, Nigeria does have toll-free and emergency numbers. For example:

• Toll-Free Numbers: Depending on the service provider, these usually start with specific prefixes like 0700, 0800, or 0900.
• Emergency Numbers: The national emergency service number in Nigeria is 112, which can be dialed for police, fire, or medical emergencies.