How to Port your Phone Number in Nigeria 2025

Tired of dropped calls, frustrating slow internet, or expensive tariff plans from your current mobile network? You are not alone. You have more power than ever as a Nigerian mobile user. Through technological advancement, Mobile Number Portability (MNP) has developed a means through which you can switch to a network that offers better service without the challenge of changing your phone number.

Gone are the days of informing all your contacts about a new number. This article will guide you through the entire process of how to port your phone number in Nigeria in 2025. Let’s explore together.

Table of Contents

Why you Need to Port your Number?

Switching networks isn’t just about escaping poor service, it’s about strategically choosing the best value for your money. Here’s why porting is a smart move;
1. Escape poor network service: If you’re constantly battling with “Network Busy” or “No Service,” porting to a more reliable network in your area is the ultimate solution to stop such errors from popping on your screen.
2. Grab better data and call bundles: Networks often have exclusive offers to attract new customers. You can port to access superior data plans, cheaper call rates, and more generous bonuses.
3. Keep your identity and contacts: Your phone number is linked to your bank accounts, social media, and business contacts. Porting allows you to retain this crucial digital identity seamlessly.
4. Increased competition: The ability to port easily forces networks to compete on service quality and pricing, ultimately benefiting you, the consumer.

Key Requirements Prior to Porting your Number

Before you begin the porting process, ensure you meet the essential prerequisites needed for approval to avoid any delays or rejections. These prerequisites include;
1. Your sim card must be active: You cannot port a number that has been barred or is inactive or probably blocked. You have to know the state of your line.
2. Your number must be fully registered with NIN: As of 2025, full NIN-SIM linkage is mandatory. Ensure your current line is properly linked to your National Identification Number. Any discrepancy will lead to immediate rejection. It’s just an added security to ensure that you’re the true owner of the number in your possession.
3. No outstanding debt or ongoing service plan: If you have any unpaid bill or locked into a monthly plan, clear it before porting and disable any other connections before porting your number.
4. Your phone must be unlocked: Ensure your phone is not locked to a specific network. A locked phone will not recognize the new SIM card after porting.
5. Ensure you have enough airtime to pay for the porting fee: The cost to port your number is N1,067.13 (inclusive of VAT). Have at least this amount in credit on your line. The process will automatically fail if you don’t have enough airtime in your line.

Step by Step Guide to Porting your Number in 2025

The porting process is standardized and managed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Follow these steps precisely for effective porting process;

Get your Unique Porting Code

This is the first and most crucial step. From the phone number you wish to port, simply dial *2001*your Internet service provider#
1· MTN: 123
2· Airtel: 121
3· Glo: 124
4· 9mobile: 126
For instance you want to an MTN simcard, then you would dial *2001*123# and send and follow all pop up prompts.
You will receive an SMS containing a Unique Porting Code (UPC). This code is valid for 60 minutes, so proceed to the next step immediately.

Visit your New Network’s Experience Center

Visit any network experience center after you’ve gotten the unique port code and take with you the SIM card you want to port and any government approved ID card as a means of identification. They are all needed to complete the porting process;

Submit Required Details and Documents

At the center, you will be required to fill in a form for port request where you will provide the unique port code you generated, and your preferred ID for identification. Take at least 2 passport photographs with you, they should be recent to prevent any form of error during verification. Once successful, you will be given a new SIM card by the agents in the center.

SIM Swap and Validation

You will be guided by the agents on how to swap your old SIM with the new one in your phone. The new SIM will initially have a temporary number you can use within the time limit.

Activation and Confirmation

The porting process begins. Within a few hours, your new SIM will take over, and your original number will be active on the new network. You will receive an SMS confirmation from the NCC.

What to Expect Before and After Porting

The official time for porting to be successful takes a maximum of 48 hours. However, in 2025, most ports will be completed within 2 to 6 hours. Due to certain errors, the process takes longer.You should also note the following;
1. Service downtime: Expect a service blackout for approximately 1 to 2 hours during the switchover. Plan important calls and data usage around this.
2. Informing contacts: There’s no need to inform anyone! Your number remains the same. All your contacts will still reach you by dialing the same number.

Final Thought

Porting your phone number in Nigeria is a straightforward, government regulated process designed to give you freedom and choice. By following this detailed guide, you can confidently leave behind network frustrations and step into a better mobile experience without losing your valuable number. Don’t settle for less, take control and port your SIM card.