GTBank (1).webp
Starting May 1, Nigerian banks will increase SMS alert charges from ₦4 to ₦6 due to higher telecom tariffs. Customers now face higher transaction notification costs, reflecting broader inflationary pressures on digital services.

  • Banks nationwide notified customers of a ₦2 increase in SMS transaction alert fees, effective May 1, 2025.
  • The adjustment follows a federal government-approved hike in telecom tariffs, which affected SMS costs.
  • Alerts sent to international numbers will attract even higher charges.
  • This move adds to rising banking costs for customers already grappling with inflation.
  • Customers received SMS and email notifications from their banks early Wednesday.

Many Nigerians depend on SMS alerts to track their finances in real-time, especially in areas with poor internet access. For low-income earners and rural dwellers, this increase, though seemingly small, compounds the daily cost of staying financially informed.

With rising digital costs, customers may begin opting for free alternatives like email or in-app notifications. As telecom and banking charges grow, will regulatory bodies step in to cap consumer fees in essential services?