Why You Might Need to Call Nigeria From the UK
From staying in touch with family to managing business, making international calls to Nigeria is essential.
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Personal reasons: The large Nigerian diaspora in the UK often calls home for birthdays, weddings, or check-ins.
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Business needs: Many UK companies coordinate with Nigerian partners, suppliers, or remote teams.
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Emergencies: Sometimes urgent calls to hospitals, embassies, or government agencies are required.
Nigeria’s Dialing Code Explained
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Country Code: +234
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Area Codes: Lagos (1), Abuja (9), Port Harcourt (84).
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Format for Landlines:
00 234 + Area Code + Local Number
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Format for Mobiles:
00 234 + Mobile Prefix + Number
(drop the leading 0).
Example: To call Lagos landline 01-2345678
→ dial 00 234 1 2345678
.
Step-by-Step Guide to Call Nigeria From the UK
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Dial UK exit code:
00
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Add Nigeria’s code:
234
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Enter the area or mobile prefix (without 0)
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Finish with the local number
👉 Check Ofcom’s international dialing guide for up-to-date rates.
Calling Methods & Costs
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Traditional calls: Easy but costly (£0.50–£1.00/min without plans).
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VoIP apps: WhatsApp, Viber, and Google Voice offer free or low-cost calls via Wi-Fi.
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Calling cards: Prepaid cards or digital codes with competitive per-minute rates.
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Remit Choice App: Combines money transfers with calling features for seamless communication.
Sample Rates (with add-ons):
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EE – £0.05/min
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O2 – £0.06/min
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Vodafone – £0.05/min
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Three – £0.04/min
Best Time to Call Nigeria
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Nigeria: GMT+1 (WAT)
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UK: GMT / BST
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Winter: Nigeria is 1 hour ahead
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Summer: Same time zone
Best window: 9 AM – 7 PM Nigerian time (avoid late-night calls).
Check the current time in Nigeria before dialing.
Tips for Clear Calls
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Use Wi-Fi for VoIP apps.
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Ensure international calling is enabled on your SIM.
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Avoid including the leading “0” in Nigerian numbers.
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Use noise-cancelling headphones for better audio.
FAQs
1. Can I call Nigeria for free?
Yes—via WhatsApp or Skype over Wi-Fi.
2. Why is my call failing?
Check format: 00 234 + Number (without 0)
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3. Cheapest way to call?
Three’s international add-on or VoIP apps.
4. Can I call landlines via apps?
Yes—apps like Skype allow this.
5. Does Remit Choice offer calling features?
Yes, alongside money transfers.
Conclusion: Call Smart, Save More
Calling Nigeria from the UK doesn’t have to be expensive. Remember:
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Dial correctly:
00 234 + number
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Use VoIP apps or bundles to save
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Respect time zones & etiquette
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Try Remit Choice for integrated transfers and calls
With the right method, you’ll stay connected affordably and reliably.