Frequently Asked Questions
Nigerian phone numbers adhere to the E.164 standard and include a country code (+234), a national prefix (0), an area/network code, and a subscriber number. Fixed lines use 02XXXXXXXX, while mobile numbers are 10 digits starting with prefixes like 070, 080, 081, 090, and 091.
Regular expressions are commonly used to validate Nigerian phone numbers. Separate patterns are used for fixed lines (including the new 02 prefix) and mobile numbers. The article provides example regular expressions for common scenarios in JavaScript.
The country code for Nigeria is +234. It is used for international calls to Nigeria. For domestic calls within Nigeria, use the national prefix 0.
For outbound calls from Nigeria, use 009, +, or 00 followed by the country code and the phone number. Inbound to Nigeria, use +234 followed by the 10-digit number without the leading 0.
The 02 prefix for fixed lines was introduced in 2023 by the NCC. Its purpose is to increase capacity, modernize the numbering system, and accommodate future growth in telecommunications services.
Nigeria's fixed-line area codes vary by region due to the legacy system. The new standard format 02XXXXXXXX aims to unify these, but older formats still exist. Lagos also has its own specific format (01XXXXXXXX).
MNP allows users to switch networks while keeping their number, so the original prefix may not indicate the current carrier. It usually takes about 48 hours and has a 90-day cooling-off period.
You should store numbers in E.164 format (+234XXXXXXXXXX) for database storage and international compatibility. However, display numbers in local format (0XXXXXXXXX) for Nigerian users.
The NCC is Nigeria's telecom regulator, responsible for overseeing the numbering plan and other aspects of the telecommunications sector. The NCC website (ncc.gov.ng) provides detailed information and regulations.
Shortcodes and special service numbers (like emergency services or toll-free numbers) in Nigeria usually have 3-7 digits. The article provides validation examples for these numbers, such as toll-free numbers using 0800.
While prefixes traditionally indicated carriers, mobile number portability (MNP) allows users to switch networks while retaining their number. Therefore, relying solely on prefixes to identify carriers is no longer reliable.
The best practice is to store Nigerian phone numbers using the E.164 international format (+234XXXXXXXXXX). This ensures compatibility with global systems and facilitates international communication.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) website (ncc.gov.ng) and the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 are the primary resources for regulatory information.
Nigerian Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide
Comprehensive guide to Nigerian phone number formats, +234 country code, validation regex patterns, mobile operator prefixes (MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile), area codes, and Mobile Number Portability (MNP) for developers and businesses implementing phone validation in Nigeria.
Quick Reference
Example Formats:
Total Number Length:
Understanding Nigeria's Phone Numbering System
Nigeria's numbering plan follows the international E.164 standard, overseen by the NCC under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003. The E.164 standard defines the format for international public telecommunication numbering, specifying that phone numbers consist of a country code (1-3 digits) plus a subscriber number, with a maximum total length of 15 digits. For Nigeria, this translates to the country code +234 followed by up to 10 digits for the subscriber number, ensuring global uniqueness and proper call routing across the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
The system evolved significantly since GSM introduction in 2001, adapting to rapid mobile technology growth. Before 2001, Nigeria's telecommunications were dominated by the state-owned NITEL (Nigerian Telecommunications Limited), with limited and expensive landline services. The first GSM call in Nigeria was made on May 6, 2001, by Econet Wireless (now Airtel), followed by MTN Nigeria on August 8, 2001. This marked a revolutionary shift from the pre-GSM era when mobile lines were rare, expensive, and limited primarily to NITEL's fixed-line network and minimal CDMA operations.
In 2023, the NCC introduced the "02" prefix for fixed lines to:
The NCC announced this change added approximately 800 million new fixed-line number combinations to Nigeria's telecommunications capacity, addressing the numbering shortage as the sector expanded.
Implementation Timeline: The NCC announced the change in September 2023, with existing numbers operating concurrently until December 31, 2023. From January 1, 2024, the "02" prefix format became fully operational. Lagos numbers changed from 014630643 to 02014630643; Abuja numbers changed from 094630643 to 02094630643.
Developer Transition Guidance: When working with legacy data from the transition period (September 2023 - December 2023), implement dual validation logic to accept both old and new formats. For numbers collected before January 2024, store both formats if available or implement automatic conversion: prepend "02" to 7-9 digit fixed-line numbers lacking the prefix. Always validate against current NCC numbering standards and maintain audit logs of format conversions for compliance purposes.
Nigerian Phone Number Structure and Formats
Nigerian phone numbers consist of these elements following E.164 specification:
Total Length: Fixed-line numbers are 10-11 digits in national format (including leading 0). Mobile numbers are consistently 11 digits in national format (0 + 3-4 digit prefix + 7 digits) or 10 digits without the leading 0. In international E.164 format, all Nigerian numbers are +234 followed by 9-10 digits (excluding the national 0 prefix), staying within the E.164 maximum of 15 digits.
Fixed-Line Numbers
Fixed-line numbers use several formats:
02XXXXXXXX
01XXXXXXX
or01XXXXXXXX
09XXXXXXX
084XXXXXX
or084XXXXXXX
064XXXXXX
02XXXXXXX
Major City Area Codes (Legacy Format):
For a complete list of area codes, see the NCC National Numbering Plan or refer to the comprehensive area code table from Wikipedia's Telephone numbers in Nigeria.
Account for these variations when validating fixed-line numbers. Older systems may use legacy formats, while the 02 prefix indicates modern allocations.
Nigerian Mobile Number Formats and Prefixes
Mobile numbers follow a 10-digit format (excluding leading 0):
070XXXXXXXX
080XXXXXXXX
081XXXXXXXX
090XXXXXXXX
091XXXXXXXX
Mobile Number Portability (MNP) lets users switch networks while keeping their number. The original prefix indicates the initial network provider.
MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile Prefix Codes
These prefixes show the original network operator (subject to change via MNP):
MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators): As of 2025, the NCC has licensed 46 MVNOs across five tiers, though only two are operationally active: Vitel Wireless (0712 prefix series, Tier 3 operator) and EmoSIM (travel eSIM services). Other licensed MVNOs include Lebara and Btel, which have shown activity but not fully launched commercial services. MVNOs lease network capacity from the four major MNOs (MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile) rather than owning physical infrastructure.
Market Context: MTN commands approximately 50% market share with over 80 million subscribers, followed by Airtel and Globacom. The four major MNOs collectively serve over 165 million subscribers as of 2024.
Note: MNP launched in Nigeria in 2013. These prefixes indicate original operator only – users may have ported to different networks while retaining the prefix.
Nigeria Short Codes and Emergency Numbers
Shortcodes and special service numbers have variable lengths (typically 3-7 digits) and are used for emergency services, toll-free numbers, and other specialized applications.
Common Banking USSD Codes:
Utility & Service Codes:
Emergency Numbers
Nigeria's official emergency numbers are 112 and 199, providing nationwide access to police, fire, and ambulance services. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) superintends the 112 National Emergency Number, a three-digit toll-free service that connects callers to emergency first responders including Police, Fire Service, and Federal Road Safety Corps. Currently, 24 Emergency Communication Centres (ECCs) operate across states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to receive and route emergency calls.
Coverage Note: Emergency service availability is more reliable in urban areas. Rural coverage may be limited due to infrastructure constraints, with only approximately 40% of rural populations having reliable telecom access.
Other Special Services
How to Validate Nigeria Phone Numbers (Regex & Code Examples)
Input Sanitization
Before validation, always sanitize user input to remove common formatting characters:
Nigerian Phone Number Validation Regex Patterns
Validate Nigerian phone numbers using these regular expressions:
Regex Pattern Explanation:
^(02|0[1-9]{1,2})
- Fixed-line: Matches "02" prefix OR 0 followed by 1-2 digits (1-99 area codes)[0-9]{7}$
- Followed by exactly 7 remaining digits^(070[1-9]|0708|...)
- Mobile: Matches specific valid mobile prefixes (e.g., 0701-0709, 0802, etc.)[0-9]{7}$
- Followed by exactly 7 remaining subscriber digits^\+234[7-9][0-1][0-9]{8}$
- E.164: Matches +234 followed by mobile numbers starting with 7, 8, or 9Converting Nigerian Phone Numbers to E.164 Format
Convert between national and international formats:
Validation in Other Languages
Python Example:
PHP Example:
Adapt these patterns for your specific needs, such as handling whitespace or optional '+' signs.
Best Practices for Implementing Nigeria Phone Number Validation
Recommended Libraries and Tools
JavaScript/Node.js:
libphonenumber-js - Lightweight port of Google's libphonenumber
Python:
phonenumbers - Python port of Google's libphonenumber
Carrier Detection & HLR Lookup APIs:
Error Handling and User Feedback
How to Call Nigeria: International Dialing Guide
Outbound: From Nigeria, use
009
,+
, or00
followed by the country code, area code, and local number. Mobile phones handle the+
prefix automatically.009 1 415 555 1234
or+1 415 555 1234
Inbound: To Nigeria, use +234 followed by the number without the leading
0
.+234 803 123 4567
+234 20 1234 5678
Nigeria Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Guide
MNP lets subscribers switch networks while retaining their number. Key aspects:
How to Port Your Number Between Nigerian Networks
Step-by-Step Process:
Check Eligibility: Ensure you haven't ported within the last 45 days and clear any outstanding bills with your current provider.
Send Status Query (Optional): Text
PORT
to3232
to check your current porting eligibility status. You'll receive a confirmation SMS with your porting status.Visit New Provider: Go to a retail center, customer care office, or authorized dealer of your chosen new network operator.
Complete MNP Form: Fill out the Mobile Number Portability request form provided by the new operator.
Provide Valid ID: Present government-issued identification (National ID card, international passport, driver's license, or voter's card).
Receive New SIM: The new provider will give you a new SIM card. Your existing number will be transferred to this SIM.
Wait for Completion: The porting process takes 24-48 hours. Your line may be temporarily inactive for a few hours during the switch.
Activation: Once complete, you'll receive a confirmation SMS. Insert the new SIM and keep it active.
Important Reminders:
Developer Note: To detect the current carrier for a ported number, implement HLR (Home Location Register) lookup via APIs such as Twilio Lookup, Infobip Number Lookup, or dedicated HLR lookup services. These services query the SS7 signaling network to retrieve real-time carrier information, accounting for numbers that have been ported. Prefix-based carrier detection is unreliable due to MNP.
Recent Activity: Mobile number portability in Nigeria surged 190% in January 2025, with 8,708 subscribers switching networks compared to 2,998 in December 2024.
Consider MNP when designing systems for Nigerian phone numbers. Don't hardcode carrier information based on prefixes – it becomes outdated.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nigeria Phone Numbers
What is Nigeria's country code for phone numbers?
Nigeria's country code is +234. When calling Nigeria from abroad, dial +234 followed by the subscriber number without the leading 0. For example, to call a Nigerian mobile number 08012345678 from another country, dial +234 8012345678.
What is the phone number format for Nigeria?
Nigerian phone numbers use variable formats depending on type. Mobile numbers follow a 10-digit format starting with prefixes 070, 080, 081, 090, or 091 (e.g., 08012345678). Fixed-line numbers use the new 02 prefix format (10 digits, e.g., 0212345678) or legacy formats varying by region (8-9 digits). All numbers use +234 as the international country code.
How do I validate a Nigerian phone number?
Use regex patterns specific to each number type:
^(02|0[1-9]{1,2})[0-9]{7}$
for fixed lines (including new 02 prefix and legacy formats), and comprehensive mobile patterns covering all operator prefixes (070x, 080x, 081x, 090x, 091x). Strip whitespace and special characters first, verify length and prefix, and store in E.164 format (+234 prefix) for consistency. For production use, leverage libraries like libphonenumber-js (JavaScript) or phonenumbers (Python) for robust validation.What are Nigeria's emergency numbers?
Nigeria's official emergency numbers are 112 and 199, providing nationwide toll-free access to police, fire, and ambulance services. The NCC operates 24 Emergency Communication Centres (ECCs) across states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that route emergency calls to appropriate first responders including Police, Fire Service, and Federal Road Safety Corps.
Does Nigeria support mobile number portability?
Yes, Nigeria supports Mobile Number Portability (MNP) since 2013. Subscribers can switch networks while keeping their phone number. The porting process takes up to 48 hours, requires valid ID and active SIM card, and is free. There's a 45-day cooling-off period between porting requests (reduced from the previous 90-day requirement). MNP activity surged 190% in January 2025.
What are the mobile prefixes for MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile?
MTN uses 0803, 0806, 0810, 0813, 0814, 0816, 0903, 0906, 0913, 0916, 0703, 0706, 07025, 07026. Airtel uses 0701, 0708, 0802, 0808, 0812, 0901, 0902, 0904, 0907, 0912. Glo uses 0805, 0807, 0811, 0815, 0705, 0905. 9mobile uses 0809, 0817, 0818, 0908, 0909. Note: Due to MNP, these prefixes indicate original operator only.
What is the 02 prefix for Nigerian phone numbers?
The NCC introduced the 02 prefix for fixed-line numbers in 2023 to expand capacity and modernize infrastructure. The change became fully operational on January 1, 2024. This updated fixed-line numbers from 8-9 digits to a uniform 10-digit format (02 + 8 digits). For example, Lagos numbers changed from 014630643 to 02014630643. Legacy formats remain valid for existing lines.
Should I store Nigerian phone numbers in E.164 format?
Yes, always store Nigerian phone numbers in E.164 format (+234 prefix) for consistency and international compatibility. This standard simplifies data processing, enables seamless international dialing, and ensures compatibility across different systems. Accept various input formats from users (with or without leading 0, spaces, or hyphens) but normalize to E.164 before storage.
What are Nigeria's mobile number prefixes?
Nigerian mobile numbers start with 070, 080, 081, 090, or 091, followed by 8 additional digits, creating a 10-digit format (e.g., 08012345678). The most common prefix is 080, while 090 and 091 represent newer allocations. When stored internationally, use E.164 format: +234 followed by the number without the leading 0 (e.g., +234 8012345678).
How long does mobile number porting take in Nigeria?
Mobile number porting in Nigeria takes up to 48 hours to complete. The process requires valid government-issued ID (national ID card, passport, or driving license) and an active SIM card. Porting is free of charge. After porting, you must wait 45 days before porting again (cooling-off period reduced from the previous 90-day requirement by the NCC).
Nigeria Telecom Regulatory Compliance (NCC Requirements)
Monitor Nigerian telecommunications regulations through the NCC website and relevant documentation to ensure your applications remain compliant with current standards.
SIM Registration Requirements
Mandatory NIN-SIM Linkage: As of September 15, 2024, all active SIM cards in Nigeria must be linked to a valid National Identification Number (NIN). The NCC enforces this requirement through the Business Rules for the Registration of Communications Subscribers Regulations 2025.
Registration Requirements:
Compliance Deadline: The final deadline for NIN-SIM linkage was September 14, 2024. Unlinked SIMs were subject to deactivation after this date. As of August 2025, the NCC reports no unregistered SIM cards operating on Nigerian networks.
Data Privacy and NDPR Compliance
Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023: Telecommunications operators and businesses processing Nigerian phone numbers must comply with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, enforced by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC). The General Administrative Implementation Directive (GAID) replaced the previous NDPR framework effective September 19, 2025.
Key Requirements:
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
Bulk SMS and Commercial Use
Licensing Requirements: Businesses sending bulk SMS or operating value-added services must register with the NCC and obtain appropriate licensing depending on service type and volume. Contact the NCC for specific licensing requirements for your use case.
Best Practices:
For comprehensive compliance guidance, consult the NCC Technical Standards Portal and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission.
Additional Resources
Validation & Testing Tools:
Developer Libraries:
Follow these guidelines to handle Nigerian phone numbers effectively in your applications and ensure seamless communication with users in Nigeria.