What does a Nigeria phone number look like?
- International format
+234 803 123 4567- IDD format (caller ID)
00234 803 123 4567- Number length
- 7-10 digits after the country code (varies by number type)
- Mobile example
-
0803 123 4567(local) →+234 803 123 4567 - Landline example
-
01 234 5678(local) →+234 1 234 5678 - Mobile numbers start with
- 70, 80, 81, 90, 91
- Landline numbers start with
- 1, 2, 9
Mobile numbers dominate. Landlines are rare outside Lagos and Abuja.
Received a call or message from +234?
A call or text from +234 (or 00234) originates from Nigeria.
If you don't know anyone in Nigeria, be cautious. Common patterns with unfamiliar international numbers:
- One-ring scams (Wangiri): The caller rings once and hangs up, hoping you'll call back a premium-rate number. Don't return calls to numbers you don't recognize.
- SMS phishing: Messages claiming to be from banks, delivery services, or government agencies. Legitimate organizations won't contact you from a +234 number unless you have an account in Nigeria.
- Spoofed numbers: The caller ID can be faked. A call showing +234 may not actually originate from Nigeria.
If you do know someone in Nigeria and want to call them back, see the dialing instructions below.
How to call Nigeria from abroad
- International format (recommended)
-
+234 [local number]Example:
+234 802 123 4567 - From a mobile phone
-
Press and hold 0 or tap + to get the plus sign, then dial
+234followed by the local number. - From a landline
-
Dial your country's international access code, then
234, then the local number.
| From | Dial |
|---|---|
| US/Canada | 011 234 [local number] |
| United Kingdom | 00 234 [local number] |
| Australia | 0011 234 [local number] |
| Your browser (DialHard) | +234 [local number] |
Do I need to drop the leading zero?
Yes. When calling Nigeria from abroad, drop the leading 0 from the local number.
For example, if the local number is 0XX XXX XXXX, dial +234 XX XXX XXXX.
What time zone is Nigeria?
Africa/Lagos
Good time to call
05:09 PM local time · Weekend daytime
Good for personal calls.
How much does it cost to call Nigeria?
International calls to Nigeria vary dramatically by provider. Major US carriers charge $3.00/min or more, while VoIP services like DialHard start at $0.33/min.
| Provider | Rate/min | vs DialHard |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T | $3.00 | 89% more |
| Verizon | $2.99 | 89% more |
| T-Mobile | $3.00 | 89% more |
| DialHard | $0.33 | Save ~89% |
Carrier rates are based on published international calling rates without plan add-ons. Your actual rate may vary.
Calling Nigeria
Direct calling to Nigeria isn't available yet. View available destinations.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the code +234 from?
+234 is the international dialing code for Nigeria.
Is +234 a mobile or landline code?
+234 is the country code for all of Nigeria — both mobile and landline numbers use this code. The digits after the country code may indicate the number type, but this varies by country.
Is a call from +234 a scam?
Not necessarily. +234 is the legitimate country code for Nigeria. However, scammers can spoof any country code. If you don't recognize the number or weren't expecting a call from Nigeria, don't call back — especially if they only rang once.
Why won't my call to Nigeria connect?
Common issues:
- Wrong format: Make sure you're using +234 (not 00234 or just 234)
- Extra digits: Remove any trunk prefix (usually 0) from the start of the local number
- Missing digits: Ensure you have the complete local number after the country code
What does a Nigeria phone number look like?
A Nigeria number in international format starts with
+234 followed by the local number.
Local numbers are typically 7-10 digits long.
Example: +234 803 123 4567
How do I save a Nigeria number in my contacts?
Always save international numbers in E.164 format: +234 followed by the local number (without the leading 0 if applicable). This format works worldwide.
How do I block calls from +234?
On most smartphones, you can block individual numbers by opening your recent calls, tapping the number, and selecting "Block." To block all calls from a country code, check your carrier's international call blocking options or use a call-filtering app.