+234 mobile numbers: who is calling from Nigeria

A +234 number followed by 70X, 80X, 81X, 90X or 91X is a Nigerian mobile line. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) assigns each three-digit block to one operator: MTN, Glo, Airtel or 9mobile. Because Nigeria has mobile number portability, the prefix only tells you which network first issued the number.

Nigeria · Mobile numbers · Facts checked November 9, 2026

What these numbers look like

From abroad: +234 803 XXX XXXX
Inside Nigeria: 0803 XXX XXXX

Mobile numbers have 10 digits after +234 (11 digits with the leading 0 used inside Nigeria). Drop the 0 when dialling from abroad.

Who uses +234 mobile numbers?

The NCC allocates numbering resources in Nigeria. Its national numbering plan, as notified to the ITU in November 2023, lists 701-706, 708, 801-818 and 901-916 as "Mobile Network Services", each 10 digits long. The NCC's Mobile Number Allocation Table (allocations as at December 2023) assigns whole 10-million-number blocks to individual operators. Mobile number portability has been available since 2013, and ported numbers keep their original prefix, so a 0803 number may now be on Glo or Airtel.

Prefix	Operator	Note
0703, 0704, 0706, 0707, 0803, 0806, 0810, 0813, 0814, 0816, 0903, 0906, 0913, 0916	MTN	Original allottee per NCC table
0705, 0805, 0807, 0811, 0815, 0905, 0915	Glo (Globacom)	Original allottee per NCC table
0701, 0708, 0802, 0808, 0812, 0901, 0902, 0904, 0907, 0911, 0912	Airtel	Original allottee per NCC table
0809, 0817, 0818, 0908, 0909	9mobile (EMTS)	Listed by the NCC as EMTS (9Mobile)

Who is calling you from a +234 mobile number?

Most calls and WhatsApp messages from these numbers come from ordinary subscribers: family, friends, traders, delivery riders and small businesses, since nearly all Nigerian phone use is on mobile. Banks and large companies tend to call from their own registered lines or short codes, so an unexpected call from a mobile number claiming to be your bank deserves suspicion. The prefix cannot tell you the current network because of portability.

Scams seen with +234 mobile numbers

Fake bank or BVN calls: the Central Bank of Nigeria has stated that neither the CBN nor banks or their staff will call customers or send texts asking for passwords, card details or PINs.
Fake SIM replacement or registration agents: the NCC has warned about people posing as operator agents who ask for the one-time password sent to your line, which lets them take over the SIM and the bank accounts linked to it.
Fake NIN-SIM "unbarring" links: the NCC called a viral link promising to unbar SIMs without NIN linkage misinformation; only channels communicated by the operators, NIMC or the NCC are genuine.

What to do about a call from +234 mobile

Never share an OTP, PIN, BVN or card number with a caller. Hang up and call your bank on the number printed on your card.
Stop unsolicited promotional calls and SMS by texting STOP to 2442 (full DND). Text HELP to 2442 for partial options, STATUS to check your setting, or ALLOW to switch DND off.
Complain to your operator first and get a ticket number. If it is not resolved, call the NCC toll-free line 622 with that ticket number, or use the complaint form on the NCC consumer portal.
Block the number on your phone and in WhatsApp.

Check the exact number

A series tells you what kind of line called. To check the full number you got, use these free tools:

Phone number validator: which country, mobile or landline, and whether the length is right.
Spam number checker: warning signs that a caller is a scammer.
Who called me? Reverse phone lookup: what the number tells you about the caller.
Nigeria country code +234: full dialing guide and number formats.
Calling Nigeria from abroad: per-minute rates if you need to call someone there.

Frequently asked questions

What network is 0803 or 0806?

Both were allocated to MTN by the NCC. Because of number portability, the line may since have moved to another network.

Is 0809 still 9mobile?

The NCC table lists 0809, 0817, 0818, 0908 and 0909 as EMTS (9mobile). A ported number keeps its prefix, so the current network can differ.

How do I stop marketing calls in Nigeria?

Text STOP to 2442 from your line. That activates full Do-Not-Disturb against unsolicited promotional SMS and calls.

Can I tell the network from the number alone?

Only the original network. Nigeria has had mobile number portability since 2013, so the prefix does not show where the number is now.

Sources

Numbering facts on this page come from the regulator or operator sources below, checked November 9, 2026. We never publish individual personal phone numbers.

ITU - Nigeria (country code +234), NCC communication of 1.XI.2023 and 6.XI.2023 (itu.int)
NCC - Mobile Number Allocation Table (as at December 2023) (ncc.gov.ng)
NCC Consumer Portal - Do-Not-Disturb (DND) Service in Nigeria (consumer.ncc.gov.ng)
NCC - Telecom Consumers Must Lodge Complaints First With Service Providers (ncc.gov.ng)
NCC Consumer Portal - Mobile Number Portability: Key Things to Know (consumer.ncc.gov.ng)
NCC - Mobile Number Portability FAQ (2013) (ncc.gov.ng)
NCC - NCC Demands MNOs, Agents, Consumers Compliance with SIM Replacement Guidelines (ncc.gov.ng)
NCC - Press Statement: Unblocking SIM Cards Require SIM Linkage (ncc.gov.ng)
CBN - BVN: Bank Customers Beware (press statement) (cbn.gov.ng)