Starting Thursday, May 1, 2025, commercial banks in Nigeria will begin charging N6 per SMS alert, up from the previous N4. This was announced to customers via text messages and emails on Wednesday morning.
The banks explained that the increase is due to the recent hike in telecom tariffs, which was approved by the federal government and communicated by telecommunication service providers.
“Dear Valued Customer, please be informed that effective May 1, 2025, the SMS transaction alert fee will increase from N4 to N6 per message. This adjustment is due to a recent increase in telecom rates,” one of the messages read.
In addition, banks noted that SMS alerts sent to international phone numbers will attract higher charges.
This development comes amid growing public concern over rising costs of living and service charges across various sectors.
Many Nigerians rely on SMS alerts to monitor transactions, and this increase is expected to affect millions of bank customers nationwide.
