How to Call Nigeria: Nigeria’s Country Code

Staying connected is easier than ever in the 21st century. A small device in your hand makes it possible to call from one part of the globe to another. Whether you're calling family, making business deals, or verifying a number on WhatsApp, you need to know the right Nigeria country code. This guide explains how the Nigeria country code works and what is an area code for Nigeria. Stay informed and connected.

Nigerian phone numbers: Explained

Before diving deeply into the details of the Nigerian code number, we should understand how the numbers themselves are structured.

When calling locally, the numbers usually contain 11 digits and start with 0. Two more digits are added when calling internationally, so 13 in total. The structure is the Nigerian country code → area code for a Nigerian city → a person's unique number.

So, the common Nigeria phone number format looks like this: 0XXX XXX XXXX Now, let’s get to know more about the Nigeria number code itself.

What is the Nigeria country code?

The Nigeria country code is +234. You can use this Nigeria dialling code when making international calls. For example, if you live in the United Kingdom and want to talk to your mother back home, you can use the +234 country code when entering her number.

Example:

When calling from outside Nigeria, you replace the leading 0 with a +234 Nigeria calling prefix.

If the local Nigerian number is 0803 123 4567, you should dial: +234 803 123 4567 — this is how you can call Nigeria from Europe, the UK and any other destination.

Next time someone asks, "What is Nigeria country code?", answer +234 with confidence.

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• How to avoid a scam when sending money to Nigeria.
• Temporary work visa in Italy: Tips for Nigerians.

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Call your family using the correct code, send them funds, and hear their live reactions — it’ll be a moment of pure happiness.

Nigeria dialling code in context

The Nigerian Communication Commission is responsible for managing the Nigeria code number (and many other important things, like regulating the telecommunication industry in the country).

To put it simply, the Nigeria number code makes the local phone numbers unique, so people and companies don’t confuse it with calls from other countries. Think of it as the phone equivalent of a country’s internet domain name (.ng for Nigeria). When you see the +234 area code, be sure it’s someone from Nigeria.

Explore: Renewing your Nigerian passport in Europe.

Area code for Nigeria: Local dialling

Remember the phone number structure we discussed? The area code for Nigeria is something that goes after the Nigeria country code. It hints at a specific region or a city in the country from which the number originates. It’s widely used when dialling landlines. Check these examples:

So, when making a call to Lagos from abroad, you should type +234 1 XXX XXXX. Quite straightforward.

We hope you got the idea of how any area code for Nigeria works.

Extra reading: Why you’ll love the Netherlands as a Nigerian.

Nigerian code numbers by telecom operators

If area codes are mostly used for landlines, private numbers can be distinguished by the mobile operators' prefixes.

By knowing this, you can route your call and verify Nigerian phone codes.

How to dial Nigeria from abroad: Step-by-step

Since you already know the Nigeria country code number, you’re ready to make your first call from abroad.

Step 1: Find your exit code

To make a phone call to Nigeria from abroad, you must first check your exit code. In the USA and Canada, it's 011, and in most European countries and the UK, it's 00.

Dial it first.

Step 2: Enter the Nigeria code number

Simply add 234, the Nigerian code number.

Step 3: Add the remaining digits

But remember to drop the leading 0! You’ve already replaced it with the 234, the Nigeria dialling code for international calls.

In the end, the Nigeria international phone number for calls from the UK will be: 00 234 803 123 4567.

Follow this structure and your long-distance call to Nigeria should reach its destination.

Nigeria code number X messaging apps

If you enter 0803 123 4567 on WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram or any other messaging app, you won’t find your contact there. International companies sync with the international numbers, so you have to use the Nigeria country code.

Try +234 803 123 4567 instead; it should help you to find the contact.

Why can’t I call a Nigerian number?

Sometimes you’re trying to connect but the signal is refusing to connect. It is frustrating, but identifying potential reasons may help you to solve the problem.

• The phone you're trying to call is turned off, out of service, or in a place with no signal. Try calling later or contacting the person via social media/messenger. They'll answer when they return to the signal zone.
• Exit code errors. Check that you typed the correct one.
• Area code errors. Double-check whether you’ve got the correct area code.
• Some providers require you to drop the prefix, try calling without it.

FAQ — Nigeria phone number code

What is Nigeria's 2 country code?

Nigeria country code is 234. The country belongs to the numbering zone 2, that’s why the code starts with ‘2’.

Other zones are:

• 1 - North America
• 2 - Mostly Africa
• 3 - Mostly Europe
• 4 - Mostly Europe
• 5 - South and Central Americas
• 6 - Southeast Asia and Oceania
• 7 - Some former USSR states
• 8 - East Asia, Southeast Asia
• 9 - West, Central, and South Asia, a part of Southern Europe.

How to use Nigeria country code number?

When making an international call to Nigeria, type your exit code (00 for Europe and the UK). Then, replace the leading 0 in the original number with 234, the Nigeria country code. Example format: 00 234 803 123 4567.

Are country codes 2 or 3 digits?

They can be both. While the Nigeria number code has three digits, the Indian one has two (91).

The numbers vary depending on the country's size. Some smaller countries have three-digit codes, while larger ones may have two. There are no fixed lengths or strict rules. Just going with the flow.

What is the WhatsApp code for Nigeria?

There’s no special code for WhatsApp. The usual Nigeria code number (234) is used when creating an account.

To add a Nigerian contact on WhatsApp, format the number internationally. This is the only way the app will recognise the number properly.

How to send money to Nigeria?

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