Area Code 2044 – Makurdi

Overview of Area Code 2044

Area code 2044 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the city of Makurdi, the capital of Benue State in central Nigeria. It is part of the Nigerian telephone numbering plan, which follows ITU-T E.164 recommendations. The full international dialing format for a fixed-line number in Makurdi is +234 2044 XXX XXXX (or +2342044XXXXXXX when dialed without spaces).

Geographic Coverage and Administration

Makurdi serves as the administrative and commercial hub of Benue State, located along the Benue River. The 2044 code covers the Makurdi metropolitan area, including neighborhoods such as Wadata, High Level, Low Level, and North Bank. It is allocated to fixed-line services provided by licensed telecommunications operators, primarily for PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) and fixed VoIP connections. The code is managed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which oversees the national numbering plan.

Dialing Formats and Instructions

To call a Makurdi fixed-line number, the dialing format depends on the caller's location:

• Within Nigeria (from another state or mobile phone): Dial 02044 XXX XXXX. The leading '0' is the trunk prefix used for domestic calls.
• From Makurdi itself (local call): Dial 2044 XXX XXXX (often the local area code is still required due to overlay practices; check with your service provider).
• From outside Nigeria: Dial your country's international access code (e.g., 00 or +), then 234 2044 XXX XXXX. Do not include the leading '0' of the domestic trunk prefix.

For example, a typical Makurdi fixed-line number might be 02044 123 4567 domestically, or +234 2044 123 4567 internationally.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

As of the latest NCC updates, there is no overlay code for Makurdi; the 2044 code is unique to the city. However, due to the growth of fixed-line services, the NCC may introduce additional codes or mandate 10-digit dialing (including the trunk prefix) for all calls within Nigeria. Always verify the current dialing procedures with your telecom operator.

Caller Instructions

For local callers within Nigeria, ensure you include the trunk prefix '0' when dialing from a mobile phone or another fixed line. For international callers, remember to replace the trunk prefix with the +234 country code. Be aware that calls to fixed lines are typically charged at standard national rates, which may vary depending on your service provider and call plan.