Niger Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code +227 & Validation Guide (2025)

This comprehensive guide equips you to handle Niger phone numbers (country code +227) in your applications. Master number structure, E.164 validation techniques, formatting best practices, error handling, and ARCEP regulatory compliance for Nigerien phone numbers with operators like Airtel Niger, Moov Niger, and Zamani Com.

Quick Facts

• Country: Niger
• Country Code: +227
• International Prefix: 00
• National Prefix: None
• Total Length (International): 11 digits (including country code +227)
• Total Length (National): 8 digits
• Regulatory Body: Autorité de Régulation des Communications Électroniques et de la Poste (ARCEP)
• ARCEP Contact: arcep.ne@arcep.ne | Official website: https://www.arcep.ne/
• Legal Framework: Created by Law 2018-47 of July 12, 2018

Emergency Services in Niger

Configure your application to recognize these emergency contact numbers:

• Police: 17
• Fire Brigade: 18
• Medical Emergency/Ambulance: 15

Prioritize these short codes for emergency service access.

Understanding Niger's Phone Number System

ARCEP (Autorité de Régulation des Communications Électroniques et de la Poste) regulates Niger's phone number system. This independent administrative authority, established by Law 2018-47 of July 12, 2018, ensures the numbering system adheres to a predictable structure.

Core Number Structure

All Nigerien phone numbers follow this pattern:

+227 XX XXX XXX
│    │  │   │
│    │  │   └── Subscriber Number (Last 3 digits)
│    │  └────── Subscriber Number (Middle 3 digits)
│    └───────── Number Type Prefix (2-9)
└────────────── Country Code

Number Types and Formats

Prefixes indicate number type:

Mobile Operators in Niger

As of 2025, ARCEP regulates four major telecommunications operators:

• Airtel Niger (formerly Celtel): Mobile services, prefix typically starts with 9
• Moov Niger: Mobile services, prefix typically starts with 9
• Zamani Com: Mobile and data services
• Niger Telecoms: Fixed-line and mobile services

Note: Mobile numbers predominantly use prefix 9 (e.g., 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99) for major operators. Prefix 8 may serve specific services or smaller operators. Verify current prefix allocations via ARCEP's official website or operator documentation.

Toll-free and premium-rate numbers may use different prefixes and lengths. Consult the latest ARCEP regulations for specialized number types. Use ARCEP's e-services platform for number reservations and assignments at www.arcep.ne.

Implementation Guide

Implement Nigerien phone number handling using these practical code examples.

1. Validation

Validate phone numbers to ensure data integrity:

// Full international format validation (with optional + or 00)
const internationalPattern = /^(\+227|00227)[2-9]\d{7}$/;

// National format validation
const nationalPattern = /^[2-9]\d{7}$/;

// Type-specific validation
const typePatterns = {
  geographic: /^[2-7]\d{7}$/,
  mobile: /^[89]\d{7}$/,
  mobileNine: /^9\d{7}$/  // Most common mobile prefix
};

function validateNigerNumber(number, type = 'any') {
  const cleanedNumber = number.replace(/\D/g, ''); // Remove non-digit characters
  
  // Handle international format
  let localNumber = cleanedNumber;
  if (cleanedNumber.startsWith('227')) {
    localNumber = cleanedNumber.slice(3);
  } else if (cleanedNumber.startsWith('00227')) {
    localNumber = cleanedNumber.slice(5);
  }

  if (type === 'any') {
    return nationalPattern.test(localNumber);
  }

  return typePatterns[type] ? typePatterns[type].test(localNumber) : false;
}

// Example usage:
console.log(validateNigerNumber('+22791234567', 'mobile')); // true
console.log(validateNigerNumber('20123456', 'geographic')); // true
console.log(validateNigerNumber('0022791234567', 'mobile')); // true
console.log(validateNigerNumber('+22711234567')); // false (invalid: prefix 1 not allocated)
console.log(validateNigerNumber('96123456', 'mobileNine')); // true (Airtel/Moov format)

2. Formatting

Format numbers consistently to improve user experience:

function formatNigerNumber(number, format = 'international') {
  const cleaned = number.replace(/\D/g, '');
  
  // Extract local number
  let local = cleaned;
  if (cleaned.startsWith('00227')) {
    local = cleaned.slice(5);
  } else if (cleaned.startsWith('227')) {
    local = cleaned.slice(3);
  }

  if (!/^[2-9]\d{7}$/.test(local)) {
    return number; // Return as is if invalid format
  }

  switch (format) {
    case 'international':
      return `+227 ${local.slice(0, 2)} ${local.slice(2, 5)} ${local.slice(5)}`;
    case 'national':
      return `${local.slice(0, 2)} ${local.slice(2, 5)} ${local.slice(5)}`;
    case 'e164':
      return `+227${local}`; // E.164 format for storage
    default:
      return number; // Return original if format is unknown
  }
}

// Example usage
console.log(formatNigerNumber('+22791234567', 'international')); // +227 91 234 567
console.log(formatNigerNumber('91234567', 'national')); // 91 234 567
console.log(formatNigerNumber('91234567', 'e164')); // +22791234567

3. Error Handling

Handle errors properly to prevent application crashes and provide user feedback:

class NigerPhoneNumberError extends Error {
  constructor(message, number) {
    super(message);
    this.name = 'NigerPhoneNumberError';
    this.number = number;
  }
}

function validateWithErrorHandling(number) {
  if (!number) {
    throw new NigerPhoneNumberError('Phone number is required.');
  }

  const cleaned = number.replace(/\D/g, '');
  
  // Handle international prefix
  let local = cleaned;
  if (cleaned.startsWith('00227')) {
    local = cleaned.slice(5);
  } else if (cleaned.startsWith('227')) {
    local = cleaned.slice(3);
  }

  if (!/^[2-9]\d{7}$/.test(local)) {
    throw new NigerPhoneNumberError('Invalid Niger phone number format. Expected 8 digits starting with 2-9.', number);
  }

  return true;
}

// Example usage (within a try...catch block)
try {
  validateWithErrorHandling('+22791234567');
  console.log("Phone number is valid.");
} catch (error) {
  if (error instanceof NigerPhoneNumberError) {
    console.error(error.message, error.number);
  } else {
    console.error("An unexpected error occurred:", error);
  }
}

Best Practices

• Storage: Store numbers in E.164 international format (+22791234567) for consistency and simplified processing. E.164 is the standard format for international telecommunications.
• Display: Use national format (XX XXX XXX) for domestic contexts and international format (+227 XX XXX XXX) for international contexts. Consider user locale for automatic formatting.
• Input Fields: Provide clear instructions on expected format. Use input masking to guide users as they type.
• Validation: Validate both format and prefix ranges. Prefix 1 is not allocated in Niger's numbering plan.

Regulatory Compliance (ARCEP)

ARCEP (Autorité de Régulation des Communications Électroniques et de la Poste) is an independent administrative authority created by Law 2018-47 of July 12, 2018, attached to the Prime Minister's Office. Comply with ARCEP's telecommunications service requirements.

Key Compliance Requirements

• Clear Number Display: Display numbers in international format, especially where international calls might be made.
• Accurate Carrier Identification: Identify the carrier associated with each number.
• Service Registration: Register your service with ARCEP and maintain accurate records of number usage. Adhere to all reporting requirements.
• Number Reservations: Use ARCEP's e-services platform for short number reservations and frequency assignments.
• Technical Standards: Comply with ITU-T E.164 standards for international numbering.
• Quality of Service: Monitor and report service quality metrics as required by ARCEP.

ARCEP Contact Information

• Official Website: https://www.arcep.ne/
• Email: arcep.ne@arcep.ne | infos@arcep.ne
• Address: Behind Arrondissement Communal NY II, Niamey, Niger
• E-Services: Access online platforms for license applications, complaints, and number reservations

Consult the official ARCEP website for detailed and up-to-date regulatory information. ARCEP publishes regulatory decisions, tariff information, and quality of service reports for all operators (Celtel/Airtel, Moov, Zamani Com, Niger Telecoms).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Niger's country code for international calls?

Niger uses country code +227 for all international calls. Format international numbers as +227 followed by the 8-digit local number. For example, a mobile number 91 234 567 becomes +227 91 234 567 in international format or +22791234567 in E.164 format for storage.

How do I validate Niger phone numbers with regex?

Validate Niger phone numbers using the regex pattern ^[2-9]\d{7}$ for national format (8 digits starting with 2-9). For international format, use ^(\+227|00227)[2-9]\d{7}$. Mobile numbers typically start with 9 (Airtel, Moov) and can be validated with ^9\d{7}$. Remove non-digit characters before validation.

What are the major mobile operators in Niger?

The major mobile operators are Airtel Niger (formerly Celtel), Moov Niger, Zamani Com, and Niger Telecoms. All operators are regulated by ARCEP under Law 2018-47 of July 12, 2018. Mobile numbers predominantly use prefix 9 (90-99 range) for major operators like Airtel and Moov.

What format do Niger mobile numbers use?

Niger mobile numbers use 8 digits with prefix 9 for major operators (Airtel, Moov). Format: 9X XXX XXX (e.g., 91 234 567). International format adds country code: +227 91 234 567. Store numbers in E.164 format: +22791234567. Prefix 8 may be used for specific services or smaller operators.

How do I implement E.164 formatting for Niger numbers?

Implement E.164 formatting by removing non-digit characters, extracting the 8-digit local number (removing international prefixes 00227 or 227), validating the format ^[2-9]\d{7}$, then prepending +227. Example: 91-234-567 becomes +22791234567. Use this format for database storage and API transmission.

What are Niger's emergency phone numbers?

Niger's emergency numbers are 17 (Police), 18 (Fire Brigade), and 15 (Medical Emergency/Ambulance). Configure your application to recognize these short codes and prioritize them for emergency service access. These numbers work from all phones, including mobile and fixed lines.

What is ARCEP and what does it regulate?

ARCEP (Autorité de Régulation des Communications Électroniques et de la Poste) is Niger's independent telecommunications regulatory authority, created by Law 2018-47 of July 12, 2018. ARCEP regulates all telecom operators, manages number allocations, enforces quality standards, and provides e-services for license applications and number reservations at www.arcep.ne.

How long are Niger phone numbers?

Niger phone numbers are 8 digits in national format (e.g., 91 234 567) and 11 digits in international format including country code +227 (e.g., +227 91 234 567). Fixed-line numbers use prefixes 2-7, while mobile numbers use prefixes 8-9, predominantly 9 for major operators.

Can I use prefix 1 for Niger phone numbers?

No, prefix 1 is not allocated in Niger's numbering plan. Valid prefixes are 2-7 for geographic (fixed-line) numbers and 8-9 for mobile numbers. Attempting to validate or format numbers starting with 1 will fail. Always verify prefix allocations via ARCEP's official website for current assignments.

What is the difference between national and international format?

National format uses 8 digits without country code (e.g., 91 234 567), suitable for domestic use. International format includes country code +227 (e.g., +227 91 234 567), required for international calls. E.164 format removes spaces: +22791234567. Always store numbers in E.164 format for consistency across systems.

Related Resources: Phone Number Validation & African Telecom Guides

West African Phone Number Guides:

• Nigeria Phone Numbers Guide – West African telecom validation
• Benin Phone Number Format – Regional comparison
• Mali Phone Numbers – Sahel region

Phone Validation & Formatting:

• E.164 Phone Number Format Guide – International standard
• Phone Number Validation Best Practices – Implementation patterns
• Regex for Phone Validation – Pattern library

Regulatory & Compliance:

• African Telecom Regulations Overview – Regional framework
• ARCEP Niger Official Site – Regulatory authority
• ITU Numbering Plans – International standards

Future Developments and Considerations

Monitor Niger's evolving telecommunications landscape:

• Digital Transformation: Digital service adoption may impact numbering practices. ARCEP actively promotes digital services and regulatory modernization.
• Infrastructure Modernization: Network upgrades could affect number availability and formats. Operators are expanding 4G coverage across urban and rural areas.
• Regulatory Updates: ARCEP may issue revised numbering plans or regulations. Subscribe to ARCEP's newsletter for updates.
• Mobile Number Portability (MNP): Future MNP implementation may allow users to switch operators while retaining numbers. Monitor ARCEP announcements for MNP rollout timelines.

Follow these guidelines and best practices to ensure accurate and compliant handling of Nigerien phone numbers. This contributes to smoother user experience and avoids potential issues. Consult the ARCEP website for the latest regulatory updates and operator information.

Key Takeaways:

• Niger uses country code +227 with 8-digit phone numbers
• Mobile numbers use prefix 9 (Airtel, Moov, Zamani operators)
• Store numbers in E.164 format: +22791234567
• Validate with regex: ^[2-9]\d{7}$ (national) or ^(\+227|00227)[2-9]\d{7}$ (international)
• ARCEP regulates telecoms under Law 2018-47 of July 12, 2018
• Emergency numbers: 17 (Police), 18 (Fire), 15 (Medical)
• Prefix 1 is not allocated – valid prefixes are 2-9 only