Here is an up-to-date guide to Nigerian phone numbers, their network codes, and how the numbering system works. Virtual or free Nigerian phone numbers exist mainly for temporary SMS verification (including WhatsApp sign-up) rather than as a permanent phone line. Nigerian phone numbers: all you should knowEvery Nigerian phone number starts with the country code +234. Nigerian phone numbers and prefix codesBelow is an updated table of Nigeria's mobile network operators and the prefix codes originally assigned to each. Nigerian phone numbers for WhatsApp and free/virtual numbersNigerian phone numbers for WhatsApp generally fall into two categories:A regular MTN, Glo, Airtel Nigeria, or T2 SIM registered in your own nameA temporary virtual number used purely to receive a one-time verification codeFree Nigerian phone numbers, sometimes advertised as a '100 Nigeria phone numbers', are typically virtual numbers offered by third-party SMS-receiving services for short-term verification use rather than an actual, dedicated phone line.