How to Call Nigeria from the US: A Guide for SMBs and Startups

Imagine this: your marketing agency just landed a new client in Lagos, or you’ve got a remote developer based in Abuja. You pull out your phone, ready to connect — and pause. What’s the correct way to dial a number in Nigeria from the US? 

If your startup or small business works with partners, clients, or teams in West Africa, you’re not alone. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about international dialing formats, the Nigeria country code, and tools to help you stay connected and sound professional. 

What’s the Nigeria Country Code? 

The country code for Nigeria is +234. You’ll need to use it whenever you’re calling a Nigerian number from the United States. Country codes are essential for routing your call to the correct destination internationally. 

For example, if you’re calling a Nigerian mobile number that begins with 080, you’ll skip the first 0 and replace it with +234. 

How to Call Nigeria from the US, Step by Step 

Here’s a breakdown of how to dial Nigeria from the US correctly: 

For Nigerian Landlines: 

1. Dial 011 – This is the international exit code from the US. 
2. Dial 234 – Nigeria’s country code. 
3. Dial the area code – Most are 1 to 2 digits. 
4. Dial the local number – Typically 6 to 7 digits. 

Example: To call a landline in Lagos (area code 1), dial 011-234-1-XXXXXXX. 

For Nigerian Mobile Phones: 

1. Dial 011 (or use the “+” sign on your mobile device). 
2. Dial 234. 
3. Dial the mobile number without the leading 0. 

Example: If the mobile number is 0802-123-4567, you’ll dial 011-234-802-123-4567 or +234-802-123-4567. 

Bonus Tip: 

On most smartphones, you can press and hold 0 to insert a “+” instead of typing 011. 

Common Nigerian Area Codes 

Here are some of the most common area codes in Nigeria, along with the locations they correspond to: 

Using the right area code ensures your call gets delivered to the correct region. 

When Should SMBs Make International Calls? 

Nigeria is a growing tech and business hub, particularly for startups and small businesses in fintech, software development, logistics, and creative services. Common use cases include: 

• Managing offshore software teams 
• Connecting with partners in Nigerian tech ecosystems 
• Sourcing or coordinating logistics 
• Engaging local clients or vendors 
• Supporting international customers 

Time zone tip: Nigeria operates on West Africa Time (WAT), which is typically 5–6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. Plan calls accordingly. 

How Much Does It Cost to Call Nigeria? 

The cost of calling Nigeria can range widely depending on your service provider. Traditional phone carriers may charge up to $1.00 per minute. Some services also provide the option to purchase international calling credits or add-ons that reduce the per-minute rate.  

DialLink users benefit from affordable, transparent rates for international calling. Plus, you get a wide range of advanced call features like AI voice agents, call queues and IVR menus. 

Make International Calls the Easy Way with DialLink 

DialLink is a modern, AI-powered cloud phone system designed with SMBs and startups in mind. Whether you’re coordinating across continents or managing remote teams, we help you connect more efficiently — and more affordably. 

Here are why small businesses like DialLink: 

• Mobile, desktop and desk phone support – Make calls from anywhere, using any device. 
• AI voice agents – Automatically answer calls from the Philippines, even after hours. 
• Local & international numbers – Build a global presence with ease. 
• Plug-and-play setup – No IT help required. 
• Affordable, transparent rates – No hidden fees.