Updated 28 September 2026 · Travo.ng
Quick answer
Nigeria uses six-digit postcodes issued by NIPOST (Nigerian Postal Service). This is the Nigerian equivalent of a ZIP code. To find yours, identify the post office that serves your area, then look up its code on a postcode directory or ask at the post office. If you only need a city-level code, the head post office codes include Lagos 100001, Abuja (FCT) 900001, Port Harcourt 500001 and Enugu 400001.
Online forms, courier bookings, banks and visa applications often ask for a “postal code” or “ZIP code”. Many Nigerians are never given one, so they guess or copy a random number. This guide explains how Nigerian postcodes work, how to find the right code for your location, and what to do if a form insists on one.
How Nigerian postcodes work
Every Nigerian postcode has six digits, and each part means something:
| Digits | What they show | Example: 900001 |
|---|---|---|
| 1st digit | One of nine postal regions | 9 |
| 1st to 3rd digits | The dispatch district | 900 |
| Last 3 digits | The delivery location (post office or area) | 001 |
Source: Wikipedia, Postal codes in Nigeria. The lowest code is 100001 and the highest is 982002.
Codes ending in 001, such as 100001 (Ikeja) and 900001 (Garki, Abuja), belong to head post offices, which is why they are often quoted as a city’s “main” code. Areas served by other post offices have their own codes.
How to find your postal code: 4 methods
1. Ask at your nearest post office
This is the most reliable way: staff at your local post office can tell you the code for the areas it serves. NIPOST’s website has a post office finder to help you locate your nearest branch.
2. Use a postcode directory
Several independent directories list Nigerian postcodes by state, local government area and town. Search for your state, then your LGA, then your area or street. These sites are not run by NIPOST, so cross-check with a second source or with the post office if the code matters, for example for a bank, visa or legal form.
3. Check an old letter, bill or document
Official letters, bank statements or documents delivered to your address sometimes include the postcode. Make sure it matches your current address, not a previous one.
4. Ask your estate, office or landlord
Estates, offices and business premises often already use a postcode on their letterheads and delivery instructions.
Head post office codes for major cities
If a form needs a code for your city and you cannot yet confirm the exact one for your street, these head post office codes are a starting point. Replace them with your local code as soon as you can.
| City / state | Head post office code |
|---|---|
| Lagos (Ikeja head office) | 100001 |
| Abuja, FCT (Garki head office) | 900001 |
| Port Harcourt, Rivers | 500001 |
| Enugu | 400001 |
| Imo State (Owerri) | 460001 |
Sources: Wikipedia, Postal codes in Nigeria; zipcode.ng. Both list the same codes for these places. For other states, see our state-by-state postcode guide.
City and area postcode guides
We have more detailed guides for some cities and areas:
- Kano ZIP codes by area and LGA
- Calabar postal codes
- Owerri North postal codes
- Abakaliki postal code
- Lekki, Lagos postal codes
Common postcode mistakes
- Using one code for a whole state. A state has many codes. Lagos codes alone run from 100001 to about 102361, according to zipcode.ng.
- Copying a random code from the internet without checking which post office it belongs to.
- Entering the phone country code (234) as a postcode. The country code is for phone numbers, not addresses.
- Leaving out landmarks. Couriers in Nigeria rely heavily on street names, estate names and landmarks, so add them even when you have the correct code.
What to do when a website asks for a ZIP code
- Foreign shopping or visa sites: enter your six-digit Nigerian postcode in the ZIP or postal code field.
- Forms that reject six digits (some US-style forms expect five): contact the site or use the “international address” option if there is one. Do not make up a code.
- Bank and government forms: use the code for your exact area and confirm it at the post office if unsure.
- Courier bookings: the code helps, but a full street address, landmark and working phone number matter most for delivery in Nigeria.
Sending a parcel across Nigeria?
Book a same-day or interstate delivery on Travo with pickup from your door, or message us on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
What is my postal code in Nigeria?
It is the six-digit NIPOST code of the post office that serves your area. Ask at your nearest post office or check a postcode directory by state, LGA and town.
Is a postal code the same as a ZIP code?
Yes, for practical purposes. “ZIP code” is the US term; in Nigeria the equivalent is the NIPOST postcode. Enter it in any ZIP or postal code field.
What is the postal code for Lagos?
The Ikeja head post office code is 100001, but Lagos has many codes for different areas. Use the code for your own area where possible.
What is the postal code for Abuja?
The Garki head post office code is 900001. Other districts have their own codes.
How many digits is a Nigerian postcode?
Six. The first digit is the region, the first three together are the dispatch district, and the last three identify the delivery location.
Can I use 234 as my postal code?
No. 234 is Nigeria’s international dialling code for phone numbers. Your postcode has six digits.
Related guides
- Postal codes for Nigeria: state-by-state
- Track a package with a tracking number
- Interstate package delivery in Nigeria
- Same-day delivery with Travo
Sources: Wikipedia, Postal codes in Nigeria; zipcode.ng; NIPOST post office finder. For official confirmation, contact NIPOST. Fares and prices change often — confirm before you travel or pay.
