SIP Trunking
How to Call Nigeria
This guide provides helpful tips for calling Nigeria from the U.S. Learn how to make calls to Nigeria with confidence.
The Nigeria country code is +234. Use +234 as the international dialing prefix for calls to Nigeria from any country, then dial 20 followed by the area code (without the leading 0) for landlines, or the mobile prefix for mobile numbers, and the local number. The ISO codes are NG and NGA.
NIGERIA COUNTRY CODE
+234
Dial before any Nigerian number from outside Nigeria
What is the country code for Nigeria?
| Quick reference | Detail | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Country Code | +234 | Dial before a Nigerian number |
| ISO Code | NG / NGA | Country identifiers |
| International Prefix | +234 | Use for calls into Nigeria |
| Trunk Prefix | 0 | Use for domestic dialing. Since 2024, add 20 after the trunk 0 for landlines (e.g., 0201 for Lagos) |
| Number Length | 7-10 digits after +234 | Area or mobile code plus subscriber number |
| Emergency | 112 | Police, fire, and ambulance |
Good to know: Since 2024, Nigerian landline area codes include a 20 prefix (e.g., Lagos 01 became 0201). Mobile numbers start with 7, 8, or 9 and are unaffected.
For Nigerian numbers, the 0 at the start of a domestic area code is the trunk prefix. Keep it for calls inside Nigeria. Remove it when calling from another country. Since 2024, a 20 is added after the trunk 0 for all landline area codes (e.g., Lagos domestic 0201, international +234 201). Mobile numbers are not affected.
How to call Nigeria
Use this universal format: exit code, then +234, then 20 followed by the area code (for landlines) or the mobile prefix (for mobiles), then local number.
- Dial your exit code, or press + on a mobile phone.
- Dial 234 for Nigeria.
- For landlines, dial 20 followed by the area code without the leading 0. For mobiles, dial the mobile prefix directly (e.g., 802).
- Dial the local subscriber number.
International call flow:
1. Exit code
→
2. +234
→
3. 20 + area code (landlines)
→
4. Local number
Exit code by country
US and Canada
011
UK and most of Europe
00
Australia
0011
Mobile, any country
+
Nigerian landline numbers use a 0 trunk prefix for domestic calls. Since 2024, 20 is added after the trunk 0 for landlines (e.g., Lagos 0201). Remove the 0 but keep the 20 when calling from abroad: +234 201. Mobile numbers are not affected.
Dialing format and examples
The +CC format works on any mobile phone. Use +234 209 123 4567 for an Abuja landline and +234 802 123 4567 for a mobile number.
| Origin | Format | Example |
|---|---|---|
| US/Canada (landline) | 011 234 20 + area code + local number | 011 234 209 123 4567 |
| UK (landline) | 00 234 20 + area code + local number | 00 234 209 123 4567 |
| Australia (landline) | 0011 234 20 + area code + local number | 0011 234 209 123 4567 |
| Mobile, any country | +234 mobile prefix + local number | +234 802 123 4567 |
For other dialing guides, see How to call the Netherlands or How to call Germany.
What a Nigeria number looks like
A Nigerian phone number in international format has two parts. The country code +234 and the national number.
Landline
+234 | 209 | 1234567
Mobile
+234 | 802 | 1234567
Number format and length
After +234, Nigerian numbers contain 7-10 digits after +234. Landlines and mobile numbers follow the national format.
| Number type | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Abuja landline | +234 209 XXX XXXX | +234 209 123 4567 |
| Nigerian mobile | +234 8XX XXX XXXX | +234 802 123 4567 |
Format a Nigeria number for WhatsApp
For WhatsApp, save the Nigerian number in international format with +234 and no trunk 0. You can also save it without spaces.
If your team needs a Nigerian number for customer calls or local presence, see Telnyx Phone Numbers for numbers in 140+ countries with instant activation.
Good to know: WhatsApp needs the full international format. Drop the leading 0 before you add +234.
Nigeria number formats and emergency numbers
Nigerian numbers follow the national format. From another country, place +234 before the national number.
| City or region | Domestic code | International code |
|---|---|---|
| Abuja | 0209 | +234 209 |
| Lagos | 0201 | +234 201 |
| Kano | 02064 | +234 2064 |
| Ibadan | 0202 | +234 202 |
| Port Harcourt | 02084 | +234 2084 |
| Benin City | 02052 | +234 2052 |
| Number type | Dialed in Nigeria | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency | 112 | Police, fire, ambulance |
| Toll-free | 0800 | Free from Nigerian lines, not always reachable from abroad |
| Premium rate | 0900 | Can cost more than standard calls |
| Business numbers | 085 | Non-geographic business lines |
Keep in mind: 112 works inside Nigeria only. If you are outside Nigeria, call the emergency number for your current location. Some service numbers may not accept calls from outside Nigeria.
Cost and best time to call Nigeria
Call cost and timing depend on your carrier, your country, and whether you call a landline, mobile, toll-free, or premium-rate number.
How much does it cost to call Nigeria
For business calling, Telnyx SIP Trunking gives per-minute pricing for calls to Nigerian landline and mobile destinations with usage-based pricing and no monthly minimums. Your total cost can change based on call volume, destination type, and fees from your current provider.
| Calling method | Cost pattern | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile carrier | Plan rate or international fee | Personal calls |
| International add-on | Recurring fee plus lower per-minute rates | Repeat callers |
| VoIP or SIP | Per-minute pricing by destination type | Teams and high-volume calling |
Good to know: Ask your provider whether Nigerian mobile calls are priced differently from landline calls. They often are.
Time zones and best time to call
Nigeria follows West Africa Time, UTC+1, year-round with no daylight saving.
| Calling from | Offset from NL | Best call window |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | NG offset varies | 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. UK time |
| US Eastern | NG offset varies | 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. ET |
| US Pacific | NG offset varies | 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. PT |
Good to know: Time differences can shift for short periods because daylight saving dates do not match in every country.
Is calling Nigeria free
Calling Nigeria is not automatically free. It may be free if your mobile or landline plan includes Nigeria calling, if both parties use an app over data, or if a company gives you a reachable local number.
WhatsApp and similar apps do not charge per minute for app-to-app calls, but your internet or roaming plan may charge for data. Business callers can use SIP Trunking with usage-based pricing for the lowest per-minute rates.
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Serhii Omelchenko
Global AEO/SEO Manager
Serhii is Global AEO/SEO Manager at Telnyx, based in Amsterdam, he is focused on making communications infrastructure findable and credible across both traditional search and AI-driven discovery. He previously led SEO and GEO strategy for some of the world’s most recognized consu
