How to Call Nigeria 🇳🇬
Nigeria's country code is +234. The full recipe and the local quirks that make calls fail, below.
Quick dialing format
[exit code] + 234 + [number]
| From US & Canada | 011 234 ... |
| From UK & most of Europe | 00 234 ... |
| From Japan | 010 234 ... |
| From any mobile or browser | +234 ... |
The leading zero rule
Drop the leading 0. A Lagos mobile 0803 123 4567 becomes +234 803 123 4567.
Area codes in Nigeria
| Place | Area code |
|---|---|
| Lagos | 1 |
| Abuja | 9 |
| Ibadan | 2 |
Calling mobile numbers
Nigeria is overwhelmingly mobile-first; landlines are rare. Mobiles start with 070, 080, 081, or 090 domestically and lose the 0 from abroad.
Time zones and when to call
Nigeria is on WAT (UTC+1) year-round, conveniently aligned with much of Europe.
The cheapest ways to call Nigeria
Carrier international rates are the most expensive way to make this call. If the person you're calling uses WhatsApp or Telegram, an app-to-app call is free over any internet connection. To reach a regular Nigeria phone number, use a VoIP service or call straight from a web dialer: our guides to calling from your computer and calling from your browser cover the options, and free online calls explains what the free routes really cost.
Frequently asked questions
What is the country code for Nigeria?
The country code is +234. From a mobile or browser dialer, dial +234 followed by the local number. From a landline, dial your country's exit code first (011 from the US and Canada, 00 from most of Europe).
Do I drop the leading zero when calling Nigeria?
Drop the leading 0. A Lagos mobile 0803 123 4567 becomes +234 803 123 4567.
How do I call a mobile number in Nigeria?
Nigeria is overwhelmingly mobile-first; landlines are rare. Mobiles start with 070, 080, 081, or 090 domestically and lose the 0 from abroad.
What is the cheapest way to call Nigeria?
Internet calling beats carrier international rates by a wide margin. If both sides use the same app (WhatsApp, Telegram), the call is free. To reach a regular phone number, a VoIP service or browser-based dialer charges a small per-minute rate instead of carrier international pricing.