How to Find Your Postal/Zip Code in Nigeria

Do you want to know your postal code?

In Nigeria, postal codes (also called zip codes) are important for mail delivery. With postal codes, your letters and packages are able to reach the correct destinations.

It consist of six-digit numbers that represent the region, dispatch district and specific delivery location, which could be a post office facility, a rural area, or an urban area.

If you’re interested in knowing how to properly find and use postal codes in Nigeria, this guide will take you through comprehensively.

What is a Postal/Zip Code?

A postal code (also known as postcode, post code, PIN, or ZIP Code) is a series of letters, digits, or both, sometimes including spaces or punctuation, used in a postal address to help with sorting and delivering mail. Postal codes are usually assigned to geographical areas, some may be designated for specific institutions or businesses that receive large volumes of mail.

In Nigeria, postal codes are six-digit numbers managed by the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST). The first digit represents one of the country's nine regions, the next two digits indicate the dispatch district, and the last three digits specify the delivery location. 

For example, the postal code for Garki Main Post Office in Abuja is 900001, while Ikeja in Lagos has 100001.

Is there a difference between Postal code and Zip code?

Often, the terms Postal code and ZIP code can confuse people.

Their is no difference between postal code and ZIP code. They both serv the same purpose and have the same meaning.

The only difference between them is the usage;.

• Postal Code is the term that is mostly used in countries like the UK, Canada, Nigeria, and Australia.
• ZIP Code which means Zone Improvement Plan Code is the term specifically used in the United States.

How to Know Your Postal/Zip Code in Nigeria

1:Find Postal/Zip Codes With Google or Bing

You can use Google, Bing or other search engines to find zip codes. 

Open your browser or the Google search app on your device.

Type something like “What is the postal code for Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos state” and search.  The postal code of the area “Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos state” will appear on Google. 

2: Check Your Local Post Office

The easiest way to find your postal code is by visiting your local post office. Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) officials can provide you with the specific code for your area.

The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has a chronological arrangement of the postal codes of various cities and regions in the country.

Unlike some countries where postal/zip codes usually carry some alphabets, the codes in Nigeria are represented using only 6 digits, irrespective of the region.

The NIPOST divides the country into 9 regions, and those regions determine the first digit of the 6 digit code; while the last 3 digits at the end of the code is determined by your local post office.

3: Online Postal Code Search Tools

NIPOST offers an online postal code search tool on their official website. You can search for your postal code by entering the name of your city or area.

Visit the NIPOST website: www.nipost.gov.ngUse the search feature to find your postal code.

Another online postal code search tool is Postcode

Visit postcode.com.ng homepage

Click on the state you’re located in

Select your local government

Search for your town