Starting May 1, 2025, banks across Nigeria have begun charging customers N6 for every SMS alert. This change follows an increase in telecommunications tariffs approved by the Federal Government, which pushed SMS rates up by 50% from N4 to N6.
The updated charge applies to all transaction-related text messages sent to customers. Several banks have notified their account holders via email. Guaranty Trust Bank, for example, sent a notice titled “Increase in SMS Transaction Alert Fee” to inform customers of the new pricing.
According to the message, the increase is directly linked to higher operational costs passed down from telecom service providers. The bank emphasized that SMS alerts play a key role in helping customers monitor account activity and detect suspicious transactions early. However, it also offered an alternative—customers who no longer wish to receive SMS alerts can opt out by completing a transaction alert form on the bank’s website.
It was also stated that SMS alerts sent to international phone numbers would attract higher charges.
This new fee structure affects millions of banking customers, many of whom rely on SMS for real-time updates on withdrawals, deposits, and other account activities.
