Nigeria Phone Number Examples: Format, Dialing Code & How to Call

Senior Writer: Juhi Parekh

Updated : August 1, 2025

With a current population of over 237 million, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, where every state runs on its own dialing rules. One wrong prefix or missing area code, and your call won’t ring.

In this blog, I have explained the correct format for dialing Nigerian phone numbers, area code details by state, and the best time to call Nigeria from abroad.

So, let’s get started!:

What is the Nigeria Phone Number Example?

If you’re calling Nigeria, getting the number format right is an absolute necessity. One wrong digit, and your call won’t go through. Most failed calls are due to wrong formatting.

1. Explanation of Nigeria Phone Number Format

A standard Nigerian phone number has three parts:

Here’s an example:

+234 1 493 5678 for a Lagos landline.

+234 803 123 4567 for a mobile number on MTN.

Additionally, “+” symbol represents the international dialing code, followed by the country and area codes.

2. Importance of the 234 Country Code

Nigeria’s phone system handles millions of daily calls. The +234 code ensures every international and domestic connection is routed properly through Nigeria’s national telecom framework.

Whether you’re running a cross-border business, reaching out to family in Rivers State, or setting up a virtual number, +234 acts as the gateway.

3. Overview of Nigeria Dialing Code System

Every Nigerian number starts with the +234 country code when dialed from other countries. After that, you have to use an area code (for landlines) or a mobile prefix (for cell phones), along with the subscriber number.

So, if you’re making a call to Lagos from abroad, it would be:

+234 1 XXXX XXXX.

But if you’re calling someone on MTN? Then you can dial Nigeria phone numbers like below:

+234 803 XXX XXXX.

Nigeria Phone Number Examples (Landline & Mobile)

Nigeria’s phone system is not complicated, but it does come with some regulations to abide by. In order to call the business line or the Nigerian mobile phone number, understanding the phone number format saves you from lost calls. Let’s walk through it in both landline and mobile formats.

1. Nigeria Landline Number Example

Landline numbers in Nigeria are commonly used by businesses, government institutions, and fixed office lines. These numbers are less popular for everyday personal use compared to mobiles.

Structure and Example with Nigeria Country Code Number

Standard structure for International call:

+234 (country code) + area code (no leading 0) + 7-digit subscriber number

Here’s an example:

+234 1 493 5678  (Calling a Lagos landline from abroad)

If you’re calling from outside Nigeria, here’s how it looks based on your country’s exit code:

• From the US/Canada: 011 234 1 493 5678
• From the UK/India: 00 234 1 493 5678

Common Nigeria Area Codes Used for Landlines

2. Nigeria Mobile Number Example

Mobile numbers are the most commonly used lines in Nigeria, especially for personal calls, small businesses, and customer support lines.

Format and Prefixes for Mobile Numbers

+234 (country code) + mobile prefix (3 digits) + 7-digit number

Example:

+234 803 123 4567  (An MTN mobile number)

To call from the UK:

00 234 803 123 4567

Common Mobile Prefixes by Carrier

Pro-Tip

Don’t assume the prefix always tells you the network. Many Nigerian users port their numbers between carriers. Use a network-checking tool if you're trying to reach someone on a specific provider (like for bonus call rates).

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How to Dial a Nigerian Phone Number from Abroad?

If you are not Nigerian and planning to expand your business in Nigeria, then it can be extremely confusing without having the proper clue about the dialing format. Here is the way to dial a Nigeria phone number from abroad:

Calling a Nigerian Landline Number

To dial a landline phone number in Nigeria, follow these steps:

• Start by dialing your country’s exit code.
• Add +234 (Nigerian Country Code). This must be dialed when calling a Nigerian number from abroad.
• Enter the Nigerian City’s Area Code (e.g., 1 for Lagos, 9 for Abuja).
• Dial the remaining seven-digit local number after inserting the area code.

You Might Also Like : How to get a US number for WhatsApp in Nigeria without paying a dime.

Calling a Nigerian Mobile Number

The process for dialing a mobile phone number in Nigeria is similar to calling a landline, with the main difference being the use of the mobile network operator code. Here’s how:

• Begin with entering your exit code. For example, 011 for the US or 00 for the UK.
• After the exit code, dial +234, which is Nigeria’s country code.
• Input Mobile Prefix (e.g., 803 for MTN, 802 for Airtel).
• Complete the dialing process by entering the subscriber number (the remaining seven digits).

Important Notes:

Nigeria Area Codes List & Usage

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) governs the area code system, ensuring that all area codes align with the country’s growth and demand for phone numbers. The system is designed to provide efficient call routing for phone line, whether local or international.

Common Codes by Region

Here’s an overview of the most common local area codes in Nigeria and how they are structured by region:

How Are They Structured?

In Nigeria, big cities get short codes. For example, Lagos (1) or Abuja (9). It’s cleaner, faster, and built for scale. Meanwhile, smaller cities get two-digit codes, usually tied to population size and regional importance.

There are mainly 2 ways in which 0 works:

• Use 0 when calling within Nigeria (like 01 for Lagos).
• Drop it when calling from abroad. So, 01 becomes +234 1 while calling from Canada.

Nigeria Phone Number Format by Major Cities

Nigeria’s phone number formats differ slightly depending on whether you’re calling a landline or mobile and the region you’re dialing into. Let’s break it down city by city and region by region.

Landline Number Examples by Major Nigerian Cities

Landline numbers in Nigeria follow a simple structure:

+234 (country code) + area code (no leading zero) + 7-digit subscriber number

Here are common examples by city:

Mobile Number Examples by Region

Mobile numbers in Nigeria begin with specific prefixes tied to mobile network operators and regions.

These prefixes help route your call to the right mobile carrier. Mobile numbers always follow this structure:
+234 (country code) + mobile prefix (no 0) + 7-digit number

Here’s a breakdown by region and carrier:

Best Time to Call Nigerian Phone Numbers

Nigeria operates on West Africa Time (WAT), which is UTC+1. Below is a guide to ensure you call at the most appropriate times:

How to Get a Nigeria Phone Number Using CallHippo?

With CallHippo, you can set up a virtual Nigeria telephone number in just a few clicks without local documents, physical SIM, and technical headaches.

Here are the steps to get a virtual Nigerian number from CallHippo:

Step 1: Sign up for a new CallHippo account under your organization’s name.
Step 2: Select the region you want your number to represent, along with the appropriate area code.
Step 3: After selecting the region, choose a Nigerian virtual number from the list.
Step 4: Choose a pricing plan that fits your communication needs and budget.
Step 5: Once your local Nigerian phone number is active, you can assign it to different team members.

Wrapping Up

Most international calls to Nigeria fail because the caller skips a step.

Wrong prefix, missing area code, or bad timing can be the reason. But you have access to the full guide now. You can leverage the above guide and level up your business communication in Nigeria.

Get CallHippo’s Nigerian virtual numbers to sound local, reduce call costs, and connect instantly. The setup of these numbers takes a few minutes. The result? You go from dialing issues to seamless conversations that boost your business growth.

FAQs

1. Why isn’t my call to Nigeria going through?

Most international calls to Nigeria fail because the caller forgot to drop the zero, missed the correct country code, or used the wrong exit code. So, for accurate dialing, you should go like this:
[Exit Code] +234 [area or mobile prefix without the 0] + [7-digit number]

2. How do I call Nigeria from the US correctly?

Here’s the formula to call Nigeria from the US:
011 + 234 + area/mobile code (no 0) + subscriber number

Nigeria number Examples:

• Lagos landline: 011 234 1 493 5678
• MTN mobile: 011 234 803 123 4567

3. Do Nigeria phone numbers come with voicemail?

Most major carriers (MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile) offer voicemail, but it’s not always turned on. If you’re using modern VoIP like CallHippo for a Nigeria phone number, voicemail is included in the package.

4. Can I skip the Nigeria country code when calling locally?

Yes. Inside Nigeria, you use the leading 0:

• Landline: 01 493 5678
• Mobile: 0803 123 4567

But the moment you’re calling from outside the country, that “0” gets replaced with +234. So 0803 becomes +234 803.

5. Are there any free services to call Nigeria internationally?

There are a few free services like WhatsApp, Skype, Google Voice. But they come with strings: both parties need the same app and strong Wi-Fi.

International Phone Number Format

US Format UK Format Canadian Format

See all country

• Australia
• Germany
• Indian
• Japan
• Malaysia
• Mexico
• New Zealand
• Philippines
• Saudi Arabia
• Thailand
• United Arab Emirates

Published : July 31, 2025

Juhi Parekh

Juhi is a senior content writer with over 4 years of experience in the B2B SaaS industry. A passionate storyteller at heart, she transforms complex ideas into compelling narratives with an adaptive and audience-first writing style. Juhi has helped multiple brands strengthen their voice, connect with their audience, and drive measurable growth through content. When she is away from the screen, she enjoys winding down with a well-written book!

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