Harmonized Shortcodes: MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile Unify Services in Nigeria

In accordance with the directive from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile will be adopting a new unified set of shortcodes for all their services.

Starting from May 17, 2023, the telecommunications giants will no longer be using separate shortcodes for operations like data balance, airtime recharge, and others. Instead, they will be using the same code for these services, in a harmonized approach.

Consumers are advised to take note that the old codes used by MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile subscribers will cease to function as of May 17, 2023, and they should familiarize themselves with the new codes for the different services.

LIST OF HARMONIZED SHORTCODES

This new set of unified codes for services like data balance and airtime recharge will be implemented by major Nigerian telecommunications companies including MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile, as directed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)

• 300 is the code for Call Centre/Help Desk on all mobile networks

• 301 for voice Mail Deposit

• 302 for Voice Mail Retrieval

• 303 for Borrow Services

• 305 for STOP Service;

• 310 for Check Balance

• 3111 is for credit recharge.

• 312 is for Data Plan

• 321 is for Share services.

• 323 is for Data Plan Balance

• 996 is now for verification of subscriber identity module (SIM) registration or NIN-SIM linkage.

• 2442 is retained for Do-Not-Disturb (DND) unsolicited messaging complaint management.

• 3232 is also retained for porting services, otherwise called mobile number portability.

As a part of the Nigerian Communications Commission's (NCC) regulatory modernisation program, the harmonisation of shortcodes is aimed at enhancing the overall quality of experience for telecommunication consumers.

AIMS OF HARMONIZING SHORTCODES

•A source reports that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is preparing to issue guidelines aimed at promoting the secure and efficient use of contactless payments in the country. The guidelines will cover the standards for issuing and accepting contactless payments, technical and operational requirements, as well as security measures and standards to be followed.

•The CBN's initiative is part of a broader effort to update and modernize Nigeria's cashless payment policy, which will help to enhance the safety and convenience of contactless payments, while also promoting their wider adoption across the country. With the introduction of these guidelines, both consumers and businesses will be able to confidently embrace contactless payments, knowing that their transactions will be conducted smoothly and securely.