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Africa · NG

Nigeria country code: +234

  • Exit code from Nigeria: 009
  • Time zone: WAT (UTC+1, no DST)

Reviewed by Sujan ThapaliyaLast updated

What is the country code for Nigeria?

The country code for Nigeria is +234. To call Nigeria from the United States, dial 011 234 followed by the local number with its leading 0 removed. From a mobile, dial +234 directly. A Nigeria number in full international format looks like +234 803 123 4567.
How an international call to Nigeria is composed: your own exit code, then Nigeria's country calling code 234, then the national number with its leading 0 removed. Written in full E.164 form a Nigeria number looks like +234 803 123 4567. From a mobile, typing + replaces the exit code and works from any country.
The middle block is the only part fixed by Nigeria. The exit code changes with wherever you happen to be calling from.

Nigeria at a glance

Country calling code
+234
ISO country code
NG
Exit code (dialling out of Nigeria)
009
The prefix people in this country dial to reach another country.
National trunk prefix
0
Drop the 0 when dialling from abroad.
Number length
8 to 10 digits after the trunk 0
Time zone
WAT (UTC+1, no DST)

Dialing

How to call Nigeria: step by step

The full sequence is: exit code + 234 + local number (minus the leading 0).

  1. 1

    Dial your exit code

    From the United States and Canada that is 011. From most of Europe, Asia, and Africa it is 00. On any mobile you can simply press and hold 0 to get a + instead, which works from anywhere.
  2. 2

    Dial 234

    234 is the country calling code for Nigeria. It never changes and it is the same from every country in the world.
  3. 3

    Drop the leading 0

    Numbers written for domestic use in Nigeria start with a 0. That is a national trunk prefix, not part of the number; remove it when dialling from abroad. 1 234 5678 is what you dial after +234.
  4. 4

    Check the time first

    Nigeria is on WAT (UTC+1, no DST). Business calls placed outside local working hours are the most common reason an international call goes unanswered.

Number format

What a Nigeria phone number looks like

The examples below are format patterns showing digit grouping. They are not working numbers.

TypeFormatExample
Landline+234 X XXX XXXX+234 1 234 5678
Mobile+234 [78]0X XXX XXXX+234 803 123 4567

City codes

Nigeria area and city codes

Written domestically these carry a leading 0. Drop it when dialling from abroad.

City / regionCodeDial from abroad
Lagos01+234 1

Frequently asked questions

What is the country code for Nigeria?
The country code for Nigeria is +234. Written in full international (E.164) format, a Nigeria number looks like +234 803 123 4567.
How do I call Nigeria from the United States?
Dial 011, then 234, then the local number with its leading 0 removed. From a mobile you can dial +234 directly instead of 011.
How many digits is a Nigeria phone number?
8 to 10 digits after the trunk 0. Written internationally it becomes +234 followed by that national number.
Do I keep the 0 when calling Nigeria from abroad?
No. The leading 0 is a domestic trunk prefix. Dial +234 followed by the number with the 0 removed. Including it is the single most common reason calls to Nigeria fail.
What time is it in Nigeria?
Nigeria is on WAT (UTC+1, no DST). Check the local time before calling; the safe business window is roughly 9am to 5pm local.

Sources

  1. ITU-T Recommendation E.164 — The international public telecommunication numbering planInternational Telecommunication UnionThe international number format, the 15-digit maximum, and how country codes and national numbers compose.
  2. ITU-T International Numbering ResourcesInternational Telecommunication UnionThe assignment of country calling codes and the published national numbering plans they belong to.

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