Nigeria Country Code (+234): The Complete International & STD Guide
Whether you are trying to reach a business in Lagos or calling family in Abuja, using the correct international code for Nigeria is essential. Nigeria uses a standardized telecommunications plan managed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The official Nigeria country code is +234.
What is the Country Code for Nigeria Africa?
The international code for Nigeria is 234. When dialing from outside the country, this code must be preceded by your country's exit code (usually 011 for the USA/Canada and 00 for the UK/Europe) or the + symbol on mobile devices.
How to Dial a Nigeria Number from Abroad
To call a Nigeria number from another country, follow this simple format:
Exit Code: Dial your country's exit code (e.g.,
011or00).Country Code: Dial 234.
Area Code/Prefix: Dial the Nigeria STD code (for landlines) or the mobile network prefix. Important: Always drop the leading "0" of the local number.
Subscriber Number: Dial the remaining 7 to 10 digits.
Example: To call a Lagos landline (01) from the USA, you would dial: 011 234 1 [Subscriber Number].
Nigeria STD Codes (Landline Area Codes)
If you are calling a fixed landline, you will need the specific Nigeria STD code for that city. In 2024, the NCC updated the National Numbering Plan, adding a "02" prefix to many fixed lines to expand capacity.
How to Call Nigeria: Quick Reference Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Country Code | +234 |
| International Prefix | 009 (from within Nigeria) |
| Lagos STD Code | 01 |
| Abuja STD Code | 09 |
Understanding the Nigerian Code for Mobile Networks
Unlike landlines, a mobile Nigerian code is determined by the network provider (MTN, Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile). These prefixes are 3 digits long (after the leading zero).
MTN: 0803, 0806, 0703, 0903, 0906
Airtel: 0802, 0808, 0701, 0708, 0902
Glo (Globacom): 0805, 0807, 0705, 0815, 0905
9mobile: 0809, 0817, 0818, 0909
International Format for Mobile: To call an MTN number (e.g., 0803 123 4567), you dial +234 803 123 4567.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Nigeria number format for WhatsApp?
When adding a Nigeria number to WhatsApp, always use the full international format without any zeros, spaces, or plus signs if the app doesn't do it automatically.
Correct: 2348031234567
Incorrect: 08031234567
Is "23401" a valid Nigeria country code?
No. While 234 is the country code and 01 is the Lagos area code, people often mistake "23401" as a zip code. In Nigeria, postal codes are 6-digit numbers (e.g., 100001 for Ikeja).
Does Nigeria have a toll-free code?
Yes. Toll-free numbers in Nigeria begin with 0800, while non-toll-free "national" numbers often start with 0700.
