Welcome to the complete directory of Nigerian postal codes by state. Nigeria is divided into 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, and every one of them has its own set of six digit postal (zip) codes managed by the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST). Whether you are sending a parcel, filling in an online form or verifying an address, this page helps you go straight to the state you need.
Nigeria is a country in West Africa and the most populous nation on the continent, with over 200 million people. It is bordered by Benin to the west, Niger to the north, Chad to the northeast, and Cameroon to the east, with a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. The capital city is Abuja, while Lagos is the largest city and commercial hub.
Nigeria operates on West Africa Time (WAT), which is UTC+1, and its official currency is the Nigerian Naira (₦). The country’s internet top-level domain is “.ng,” widely used by businesses and organizations within Nigeria.
When it comes to navigation and communication, postal systems play an important role. In Nigeria, what many people commonly call “zip codes” are officially known as postal codes. These codes are essential for sorting and delivering mail accurately across the country. Whether you are sending packages, filling out online forms, or verifying locations, having the correct Nigerian postal code ensures smooth and reliable delivery.
Nigeria uses a 6-digit postal code system managed by the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST). The system covers all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Whether you are sending a package, filling out an online form, or registering for a service, you need the correct zip code for your location in Nigeria.
This guide covers every state, major city, and geopolitical zone in Nigeria with their correct postal codes.
How the Nigerian Zip Code System Works
Nigeria’s zip code system, officially known as the postal code system, is managed by the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST). It uses a six-digit numeric code to identify specific geographic areas across the country. Each digit in the code has a meaning, helping to break down locations from large regions to smaller delivery zones.
The first digit represents one of the nine major postal regions in Nigeria. The second and third digits, combined with the first, indicate a more specific area such as a state, major city, or district. The last three digits are used to identify the exact delivery location, which could be a post office, a rural area, or an urban neighborhood.
For example, in many cases, a general area like a Local Government Area (LGA) may have a central postal code ending in “000,” while specific neighborhoods or streets within that area may have slightly different codes for more precise delivery. However, for most online forms and everyday use, people often use the main LGA or city postal code.
The lowest zip code in Nigeria is 100001 (Lagos), and the highest is 982112 (Benue State).
All 36 States in Nigeria and Their Zip Codes
Nigeria is made up of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, each playing a unique role in the country’s structure, economy, and cultural identity.
From major commercial centers like Lagos State to resource-rich regions like Rivers and Delta, and administrative hubs like the FCT (Abuja), every state contributes to how Nigeria functions as a whole. These states are further divided into Local Government Areas (LGAs), which help organize administration, development, and, importantly, postal distribution.
Because of this structure, postal (zip) codes in Nigeria are closely tied to states and their internal divisions. Each state has designated code ranges that cover its cities, towns, and rural areas, making it easier to identify locations for mail delivery, logistics, and digital services.
Each state in Nigeria is assigned a range of postal codes that cover its major cities, local government areas (LGAs), and surrounding districts. While some large states may have multiple codes for different regions, the table focuses on the most commonly used or central codes, making it easier for everyday use, such as form filling, deliveries, and registrations.
Below is the complete list of all Nigerian states, their capital cities, and their primary postal codes.
Nigeria is divided into six geopolitical zones, a structure commonly used to group states based on geography, culture, and administrative convenience. North Central, North East, North West, South East, South South, and South West help simplify how locations are understood across the country.
When it comes to postal (zip) codes, these zones also follow general regional patterns. States within the same geopolitical zone often share similar code ranges, making it easier to identify where a location falls within Nigeria at a glance. This section breaks down zip codes by each geopolitical zone, helping you quickly narrow down the right code based on region before getting into specific states or LGAs.
North Central Zone
The North Central zone is located in the middle belt of Nigeria and includes states like Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja). This region serves as a key administrative and agricultural hub, with Abuja acting as the nation’s capital.
Postal codes in the North Central zone generally fall within a similar range, reflecting their central positioning in Nigeria’s postal system. Whether you’re searching for a code in Abuja or other surrounding states, this zone provides a useful starting point for narrowing down accurate zip code information.
State
Capital
Zip Code
Benue
Makurdi
970001
FCT
Abuja
900001
Kogi
Lokoja
260001
Kwara
Ilorin
240001
Nasarawa
Lafia
962001
Niger
Minna
920001
Plateau
Jos
930001
North East Zone
The North East zone is located in the northeastern part of Nigeria and includes states such as Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe. This region is known for its vast landmass, agricultural activities, and strong cultural heritage.
Postal codes in the North East generally follow a similar numeric pattern, making it easier to identify locations within this region. Whether you’re dealing with major towns or more remote areas, understanding the zone helps narrow down the correct zip code quickly.
State
Capital
Zip Code
Adamawa
Yola
640001
Bauchi
Bauchi
740001
Borno
Maiduguri
600001
Gombe
Gombe
760001
Taraba
Jalingo
660001
Yobe
Damaturu
620001
North West Zone
The North West zone covers states like Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, and Zamfara. It is one of the most populous regions in Nigeria, with major commercial and historical centers such as Kano playing a significant role in trade and commerce.
Zip codes in this zone are grouped within close ranges, reflecting the region’s structure in the national postal system. This makes it easier to trace and confirm postal codes across different states and cities within the North West.
State
Capital
Zip Code
Jigawa
Dutse
720001
Kaduna
Kaduna
800001
Kano
Kano
700001
Katsina
Katsina
820001
Kebbi
Birnin Kebbi
860001
Sokoto
Sokoto
840001
Zamfara
Gusau
880001
South East Zone
The South East zone consists of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states. Known for its strong entrepreneurial spirit and dense urban settlements, this region plays a key role in Nigeria’s commerce and trade networks.
Postal codes across the South East follow consistent patterns tied to each state and its respective LGAs. This makes it easier to identify and verify zip codes for both urban centers and surrounding communities.
State
Capital
Zip Code
Abia
Umuahia
440001
Anambra
Awka
420001
Ebonyi
Abakaliki
480001
Enugu
Enugu
400001
Imo
Owerri
460001
South South Zone
The South South zone includes Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers states. This region is rich in natural resources, particularly oil and gas, and is home to several important port cities and economic hubs.
Zip codes in the South South are organized within identifiable ranges that correspond to each state and their internal divisions. This helps ensure accurate mail delivery and location identification across the region.
State
Capital
Zip Code
Akwa Ibom
Uyo
520001
Bayelsa
Yenagoa
561001
Cross River
Calabar
540001
Delta
Asaba
320001
Edo
Benin City
300001
Rivers
Port Harcourt
500001
South West Zone
The South West zone covers Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti states. It is the most economically vibrant region in Nigeria, with Lagos serving as the country’s commercial capital and a major hub for business, technology, and entertainment.
Postal codes in the South West are widely used due to the high volume of commercial and residential activity. The codes follow structured patterns across states and LGAs, making it easier to find and use the correct zip code for any location within the region.
State
Capital
Zip Code
Ekiti
Ado Ekiti
360001
Lagos
Ikeja
100001
Ogun
Abeokuta
110001
Ondo
Akure
340001
Osun
Osogbo
230001
Oyo
Ibadan
200001
Major Nigerian Cities and Their Zip Codes
Nigeria is home to several major cities that serve as key centers for business, governance, education, and culture. Cities like Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan play significant roles in the country’s daily activities and attract millions of residents and visitors.
In this section, you’ll find a curated list of major cities across Nigeria along with their commonly used postal (zip) codes. Since large cities often have multiple codes covering different districts and neighborhoods, this section focuses on the most widely used or central codes for easy reference.
City
State
Zip Code
Lagos (Ikeja)
Lagos
100001
Lagos Island
Lagos
101001
Victoria Island
Lagos
101241
Lekki
Lagos
105102
Abuja (Garki)
FCT
900001
Kano
Kano
700001
Ibadan
Oyo
200001
Port Harcourt
Rivers
500001
Benin City
Edo
300001
Kaduna
Kaduna
800001
Enugu
Enugu
400001
Owerri
Imo
460001
Calabar
Cross River
540001
Jos
Plateau
930001
Maiduguri
Borno
600001
Abeokuta
Ogun
110001
Ilorin
Kwara
240001
Uyo
Akwa Ibom
520001
Warri
Delta
332001
Aba
Abia
450001
Major Ethnic Groups in Nigeria and Their Zip Codes
Nigeria’s identity is deeply rooted in its ethnic diversity, with over 250 ethnic groups spread across different regions of the country. Among these, the three largest groups, Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo, are the most widely recognized, alongside many other significant groups that contribute to Nigeria’s rich cultural landscape.
While zip codes are not assigned based on ethnicity, there is often a strong connection between ethnic groups and the regions or states they predominantly occupy. This section provides an overview of major ethnic groups and the areas they are commonly associated with, alongside relevant postal (zip) codes for those regions.
Ethnic Group
Primary Region
Key City
State
Zip Code
Hausa-Fulani
North West / North East
Kano
Kano
700001
Yoruba
South West
Lagos (Ikeja)
Lagos
100001
Igbo
South East
Enugu
Enugu
400001
Ijaw
South South
Yenagoa
Bayelsa
561001
Kanuri
North East
Maiduguri
Borno
600001
Tiv
North Central
Makurdi
Benue
970001
Ibibio
South South
Uyo
Akwa Ibom
520001
Nupe
North Central
Minna
Niger
920001
Edo
South South
Benin City
Edo
300001
Urhobo
South South
Warri
Delta
332001
Quick Facts About Nigeria
Nigeria is often called the “Giant of Africa,” not just because of its population but also its influence across the continent. With over 200 million people, it is the most populous country in Africa and one of the fastest-growing populations in the world. The country is made up of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja), with hundreds of ethnic groups and languages, making it one of the most culturally diverse nations globally.
Geographically, Nigeria features a wide range of landscapes from coastal plains and mangrove swamps in the south to savannah grasslands and semi-arid regions in the north. The Niger River and Benue River are two major waterways that shape the country’s terrain and support agriculture, trade, and livelihoods.
For business, Nigeria presents both opportunities and challenges. Its large population offers a massive market, especially in sectors like e-commerce, fintech, real estate, and logistics. However, factors such as regulatory processes, infrastructure gaps, and regional differences require careful planning and local understanding.
Culturally, Nigeria is rich and vibrant. It is home to globally recognized industries like Nollywood (film) and Afrobeats (music), and its fashion, food, and traditions have gained international attention. Each region has its own customs, festivals, and local identity, creating a unique blend of unity and diversity.
Economically, Nigeria has one of the largest economies in Africa, driven by sectors such as oil and gas, agriculture, telecommunications, and financial services. Lagos serves as the economic hub, while Abuja remains the political center. The country has a growing tech ecosystem, with startups attracting global investment and attention.
In terms of infrastructure, Nigeria continues to develop its road networks, airports, seaports, and digital connectivity. While there are still challenges in areas like power supply and transportation, ongoing investments are gradually improving access and efficiency.
Politically, Nigeria operates as a federal republic with a democratic system of government. Elections are held at regular intervals, and governance is shared across federal, state, and local levels.
Official Name: Federal Republic of Nigeria
Capital: Abuja (zip code 900001)
Largest City: Lagos (zip code 100001)
Population: Over 220 million (the most populous country in Africa)
Every Nigerian postal code is six digits long, and the digits are not random. The first digit identifies one of the nine postal zones NIPOST uses to divide the country. The next two digits narrow that down to a specific district within the zone, usually corresponding to a town or a cluster of local government areas. The final three digits identify the delivery area itself, which can be as specific as a single street, an industrial estate, a university campus or a large housing scheme.
This is why a code that looks almost identical to another can belong to a completely different neighbourhood. Two addresses in the same city may share the first three digits and differ in the last three, and posting to the wrong delivery area is the most common reason mail is delayed or returned.
Postal Code Ranges by Region
Reading the first digit alone will tell you roughly where in the country an address sits:
100001 onwards covers Lagos and its metropolitan districts.
200001 onwards covers Ibadan and the wider South West.
300001 onwards covers Benin City and the Edo and Delta axis.
400001 onwards covers Enugu and the South East, with Onitsha in the 430001 range.
500001 onwards covers Port Harcourt and the Niger Delta.
600001 onwards covers Maiduguri and the North East.
700001 onwards covers Kano and its surrounding districts.
800001 onwards covers Kaduna and the central north.
900001 onwards covers Abuja and the Federal Capital Territory.
Common Mistakes When Using Nigerian Postal Codes
The most frequent error is treating a state as though it has one code. Lagos alone spans dozens of delivery districts, and using a general Lagos number on a parcel bound for Ikorodu or Epe will slow it down. The second common error is reusing the code of a nearby big town for a rural address. That often works for letters because the sorting office is the same, but it can misroute courier deliveries that are dispatched by exact district.
A third issue appears on international forms. Some websites reject Nigerian codes because they expect a five digit or alphanumeric format. Where a form will not accept six digits, use the code for the nearest major delivery district and put the full street address, town and state in the address lines, since Nigerian mail is sorted primarily on the written address rather than the code.
Do You Always Need a Postal Code in Nigeria?
For domestic mail, no. NIPOST delivers on the written address, and many Nigerians have never used their code. Postal codes matter most when you are completing an online form that requires one, registering for an international service, shipping through a courier that sorts by district, or supplying an address to a bank or government portal that validates the format. In those cases the exact district code, taken from your state’s page above, is what you want.
How to Find the Right Postal Code
Because postal codes in Nigeria are assigned down to the level of individual districts and streets, a single state wide number is rarely enough for accurate delivery. The best approach is to open your state’s page from the list above, find your local government area or town in the tables, and use the specific code listed there. This ensures your mail, parcels and deliveries reach the correct district quickly and reliably.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the zip code for Nigeria?
Nigeria does not have a single zip code. Each state, city, and area has its own 6-digit postal code. For example, Lagos is 100001, Abuja is 900001, and Kano is 700001.
What is the zip code for Lagos?
The general zip code for Lagos (Ikeja) is 100001. However, different areas in Lagos have different codes. Lagos Island is 101001, Victoria Island is 101241, and Lekki is 105102.
What is the zip code for Abuja?
The zip code for Abuja (Garki) is 900001. Other areas within Abuja have their own specific codes.
What is the difference between a zip code and a postal code in Nigeria?
There is no difference. “Zip code” and “postal code” mean the same thing in Nigeria. The official term used by NIPOST is “postal code,” but most Nigerians search for “zip code” online.
How many digits is a Nigerian zip code?
All Nigerian zip codes are 6 digits long.
Can I use 110001 as a general Nigerian zip code?
Some people use 110001 (Abeokuta) or 100001 (Lagos) as a general zip code when filling out online forms. However, for mail delivery, you should always use the correct zip code for your specific location.
Does every area in Nigeria have a zip code?
Yes. NIPOST has assigned postal codes to all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT.
Sources and verification
We checked the practical guidance on this page against the primary or authoritative references below. Follow the linked source for the latest official position before making a payment or time-sensitive decision.
