What matters
0803 123 4567 becomes +234 803 123 4567. Do not keep the zero as +234 0803…, and do not confuse +234 with a postal code.
International formatter
Convert a Nigerian mobile number
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How to use +234
From a mobile phone or app, enter the plus sign, 234 and the Nigerian number without its leading local zero. The plus sign tells the network to use the device's international-dialling prefix.
From a system that does not accept +, use the international exit code for the country you are calling from, followed by 234 and the number without zero.
Calling from the UK, US and Canada
On a smartphone in the UK, +234 is simplest. A fixed-line format may use 00 234. In the United States and Canada, a traditional international prefix is 011 234. Mobile contacts stored with +234 travel better between countries.
International voice charges depend on the caller's plan. WhatsApp or another internet service uses data instead, but both parties need the relevant app and connection.
Mobile and landline examples
A local mobile number written 0803 123 4567 becomes +234 803 123 4567. A Lagos landline shown with a local trunk zero should also drop that zero after +234; preserve the remaining area and subscriber digits.
Do not guess missing digits. Ask the recipient to send the number in international format.
Common formatting mistakes
- Writing +234 and still keeping the initial zero.
- Using 23401 as a supposed Nigeria ZIP code.
- Removing a zero that is part of the subscriber number rather than the trunk prefix.
- Saving duplicate local and international contacts.
- Returning a missed international call without checking who owns it.
Scam and privacy checks
A +234 number only indicates Nigerian numbering; it does not prove the caller is in Nigeria or that a business is legitimate. Caller ID can be spoofed. Verify payment requests through a second trusted channel.
Do not post a private number publicly without consent. Businesses should explain how customer phone data is used and protected.
Saving contacts and validating business numbers
Store a Nigerian contact once in +234 format. Messaging apps and smartphones can then recognise the same person when your SIM or country changes. Include a clear contact name and organisation rather than relying on a number alone. On a dual-SIM phone, check the international tariff before dialling; an internet call uses data but roaming data can also be expensive.
A business form should accept spaces and the plus sign, then normalise the number. Confirm ownership with a one-time code only where necessary, limit retries and never display the full number publicly. A valid +234 format proves only that the number fits a numbering pattern; it does not prove identity, creditworthiness or physical location.
Frequently asked questions
What country code is +234?
Nigeria.
Do I remove 0 after +234?
Yes, remove the leading local trunk zero from a standard Nigerian number.
How do I call Nigeria from the USA?
Use +234 on a mobile, or 011 234 where a fixed international prefix is required.
Is 234 Nigeria's ZIP code?
No. It is the telephone country code.
Does +234 prove the caller is in Nigeria?
No.
Sources and review policy
Official sources control applications, regulations and current service arrangements. Recheck them before paying, travelling or submitting documents.
Explainer.NG is independent and does not represent any government, university, airport or financial institution.