How to Know Nigerian Numbers: A Comprehensive Guide

If you are new to Nigeria or planning on visiting Nigeria, you may find yourself struggling to understand Nigerian phone numbers. The unique format of Nigerian numbers can be confusing to foreigners, but don't worry, we're here to help. In this article, we’ll break down the different components of a Nigerian phone number and explain how to read and dial them correctly.

What are Nigerian phone numbers?

Nigerian phone numbers are a sequence of digits that identify a specific mobile or landline phone line in Nigeria. All Nigerian phone numbers start with a digit between 7 and 9, followed by nine other digits. The country code for Nigeria is +234, which must be dialed before the phone number when calling from outside Nigeria.

How to read Nigerian phone numbers

Nigerian phone numbers are usually written in a sequence of three-digit groups, separated by a space or a hyphen. For example, a Nigerian mobile number could be written as 0803-xxx-xxxx or 0811 xxx xxxx. The first three digits of a Nigerian mobile number identify the network provider.

Here are some of the most common Nigerian mobile network providers and their corresponding first three digits:

• MTN Nigeria: 080, 081, 090
• Airtel Nigeria: 0802, 0808, 0708, 0812, 0902, 0901
• Glo Nigeria: 0805, 0807, 0815, 0811, 0905
• 9mobile Nigeria: 0809, 0818, 0909, 0908

How to dial a Nigerian phone number

To dial a Nigerian phone number from within Nigeria, you just need to enter the ten-digit phone number.

However, if you are calling a Nigerian phone number from outside the country, you need to dial the country code (+234) followed by the ten-digit phone number. For example, to call a Nigerian mobile number 0803-xxx-xxxx from the United States, you need to dial +234 803 xxx xxxx.

Tips for calling Nigerian phone numbers

Here are some tips to keep in mind when calling Nigerian phone numbers:

• Check the time difference between your location and Nigeria before calling. Nigeria is located in West Africa and is on West Africa Time (WAT), which is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1).
• Be aware of the cost of international calls. International calling rates vary depending on your phone carrier and the country you are calling from.
• If you are calling a Nigerian mobile number from within Nigeria, remember to dial the appropriate network provider's prefix.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the country code for Nigeria?

The country code for Nigeria is +234.

2. Can I call a Nigerian phone number from outside Nigeria?

Yes, you can call a Nigerian phone number from outside Nigeria by dialing the country code (+234) followed by the ten-digit phone number.

3. What do the first three digits of a Nigerian phone number mean?

The first three digits of a Nigerian mobile number identify the network provider.

4. How do I know which network provider a Nigerian phone number belongs to?

You can identify the network provider of a Nigerian mobile number by looking at its first three digits. See the list above for the most common Nigerian network providers and their corresponding first three digits.

5. What are the calling rates for international calls to Nigeria?

International calling rates vary depending on your phone carrier and the country you are calling from. Check with your carrier for more information.

Conclusion

Understanding and dialing Nigerian phone numbers can be a bit tricky, but with the information provided in this article, you should have a better understanding of how to read and dial Nigerian phone numbers correctly. Remember to be mindful of the time difference and international calling rates when calling Nigeria. Happy dialing!