Nigeria +234
To call Nigeria from abroad, dial your exit code (or +), then 234, then the local number without its leading 0. In full: +234 802 123 4567.
The country calling code for Nigeria is +234. A number starting +234 or 00234 is a call to or from Nigeria. From abroad: +234 802 123 4567.
To call Nigeria from abroad, dial your exit code (or +), then 234, then the local number without its leading 0. The +234 code identifies the country; the following digits identify the line (landline or mobile).
How to call Nigeria from abroad
011 234 802 123 456700 234 802 123 45670011 234 802 123 4567+234 802 123 4567802 123 4567 is a real-format Nigeria mobile number (example from the ITU-T numbering plan): replace it with the number you were given, without its leading 0.
Nigeria area codes
In Nigeria, landlines usually include an area code after +234 (without its leading 0). Mobiles have no area code.
Number format
02033 12 3456from abroad+234 2033 12 34560802 123 4567from abroad+234 802 123 4567Landline numbers in Nigeria have 10 digits after the country code; mobile numbers have 10 digits. The national prefix 0 is only dialled inside the country — drop it after +234.
Calling abroad from Nigeria
To call another country from Nigeria, dial the exit code 009 (or + on a mobile), then the country code, then the number. From Nigeria to the United States, for example: 009 1 201 555 0123.
A Nigeria number in international format is written +234 …. The + stands for the exit prefix (00 in much of the world, 011 in North America). Switching to international format, drop the leading 0.
Cheapest ways to call Nigeria
With internet on both ends, apps like WhatsApp, Signal or FaceTime call Nigeria for free. To reach a number without an app, VoIP services are usually cheaper than your operator’s international rate.
Frequently asked questions
What country has the code +234?
Nigeria has the country calling code +234.
How do I call Nigeria from the United States?
Dial 011, then 234, then the local number without its leading 0 — for example 011 802 123 4567.
What does +234 mean?
It is the international dialing code for Nigeria. The + stands for your exit code (00 in much of the world, 011 in North America).
Is +234 mobile or landline?
The +234 code identifies the country, not the line type; Nigeria landlines and mobiles share it.
A country code covers a whole nation; the full number depends on the city and operator.
Mobile networks in Nigeria
6 mobile network operators run their own networks in Nigeria. The largest is MTN, with about 74.0 million subscribers (May 2021). Pick the one with the best coverage where you will spend most of your time.
Owned by MTN (41.5%)
formerly Econet, Vodago, Vmobile, Celtel, Zain
Owned by Bharti Airtel (20.6%)
Owned by Globacom (20.78%)
formerly Etisalat, 9mobile
Owned by LH Telecommunication (95.50%)
formerly NITEL, mtel
Owned by NatCom Development & Investment
Owned by Mafab Communications
- 4G/5G frequency bands used in Nigeria: 5G 3500, LTE 1800, LTE 2600, LTE 700, LTE 800, LTE 900. Most recent smartphones cover them; older or regional models may miss some.
- Moving there? Mobile number portability has existed since 2013-04-22, a transfer takes about 2 day(s) and costs free.
Operators, subscriber counts, network codes and switch-off dates: Wikipedia (lists of mobile network operators, mobile network codes, 2G/3G phase-out, mobile number portability), licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Figures come from each operator or regulator at the date shown.
Getting a SIM card in Nigeria
What visitors and new residents need to know before buying a local SIM or eSIM in Nigeria, with a source for each point.
Buying a SIM as a visitor
Mandatory and NIN-based: every SIM activation must be linked to a verified National Identification Number (verified with biometrics such as facial image and fingerprints); maximum 4 SIMs per NIN on any one operator's network (NCC Business Rules, July 2025). Foreign visitors (visa under 2 years) need no NIN: the operator records the passport bio-data and visa pages, and the SIM is configured for 2 weeks, 1 month or 3 months according to visa validity (renewable). Foreigners resident 2 years or more need a NIN. 2026: the NCC began rolling out a Device Management System (central IMEI register) in September 2026; devices must be registered before sale and unregistered devices will not be allowed on Nigerian networks.
Source: ncc.gov.ng · ncc.gov.ng · ncc.gov.ng
Where to buy it
Operator outlets and their registered dealers/agents (MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile). Visitors present their passport; the bio-data and visa pages are captured before activation.
Source: ncc.gov.ng · ncc.gov.ng
Getting a monthly contract as a resident
MTN postpaid: completed subscriber agreement form, valid NIN slip, passport photograph and a non-refundable N2,000 activation fee; credit-based accounts also require the BVN (bank verification number) and/or other credit-assessment information, deposit-based accounts a security deposit of at least NGN 5,000.
Source: mtn.ng
Scam calls and texts
Escalate unresolved telecom complaints to the NCC toll-free line 622; stop promotional calls/SMS with the Do-Not-Disturb short code 2442 (full or partial DND). Report cyber-fraud to the Nigeria Police National Cybercrime Centre e-reporting portal (nccc.npf.gov.ng).
Source: ncc.gov.ng · nccc.npf.gov.ng
Emergency numbers
112 (police, fire, ambulance; toll-free). The National Economic Council approved 112 as the single national emergency number in 2026, and on 8 September 2026 the Federal Government ordered a roadmap for its nationwide operationalisation. GOV.UK notes there is no national ambulance service.
Source: gov.uk · fmino.gov.ng
WhatsApp and calling apps
None known. No NCC restriction on WhatsApp, FaceTime or Skype calls was found; OONI WhatsApp reachability tests from Nigeria between 1 June and 27 September 2026: 1,493 of 1,557 measurements OK, 0 confirmed blocks.
Source: api.ooni.io
Checked on 28 September 2026 against the sources linked on each card (regulators, government portals and operators first). SIM and ID rules change often: confirm with the operator before you travel.
Staying connected in Nigeria
With 71 mobile subscriptions per 100 people, mobile coverage in Nigeria is not universal — keep a landline number as a backup when you can. Only 41 % of people use the internet, so a plain phone call may reach more people than an app.
Source: World Bank / ITU World Telecommunication indicators (IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.USER.ZS, IT.MLT.MAIN.P2), latest available year.
Free and premium numbers in Nigeria
+234 800 1759 1759Free from inside Nigeria (numbers starting with 800). From abroad these numbers are often unreachable or charged at the international rate.
Number ranges: ITU-T national numbering plan for Nigeria via Google libphonenumber.
Chad +235
Niger +227
Benin +229
Cameroon +237