Popular USSD Codes in Nigeria in 2024

Unstructured Supplementary Service Data-USSD codes in Nigeria have continued to be prevalent in the country as they have proven to be convenient and accessible for millions of mobile phone users, enabling various transactions without the need for an internet connection. The USSD protocol has become essential for mobile banking, airtime purchase, data bundle subscriptions, and bill payments, contributing to a dynamic telecommunications landscape.

For the four major mobile networks in Nigeria—MTN, Airtel, GLO, and 9Mobile—USSD codes provide a unified way to access basic services. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) mandated that mobile operators standardize their USSD codes to make it easier for users to remember and access these services.

Here is an updated list of popular USSD codes for the major mobile operators in Nigeria:

1. MTN
   • Airtime recharge: 311Voucher PIN#
   • Airtime balance check: *310#
   • Borrow airtime: *303#
   • Data purchase: *312#
   • Check data balance: *323#
2. Airtel
   • Airtime recharge: 311Voucher PIN#
   • Airtime balance check: *310#
   • Borrow airtime: *303#
   • Data purchase: *312#
   • Check data balance: *323#
3. GLO
   • Airtime recharge: 311Voucher PIN#
   • Airtime balance check: *310#
   • Borrow airtime: *303#
   • Data purchase: *312#
   • Check data balance: *323#
4. 9Mobile
   • Airtime recharge: 311Voucher PIN#
   • Airtime balance check: *310#
   • Borrow airtime: *303#
   • Data purchase: *312#
   • Check data balance: *323#

USSD providers like HelloDuty offer both short codes and long codes in Nigeria, enabling businesses to efficiently interact and transact with their clients.

Popular Banking USSD Codes in Nigeria

In addition to mobile operators, financial institutions in Nigeria heavily rely on USSD codes for mobile banking transactions, allowing users to conduct transfers, check balances, and pay bills seamlessly.

Bank USSD codes are critical as they enable mobile banking without requiring an internet connection. Each commercial bank that offers mobile banking services has its own unique USSD code. These codes allow users to perform tasks such as transferring money, paying bills, purchasing airtime, or buying data directly from their mobile phones. Below are the banks and their respective USSD codes:

• Access Bank: *901#
• Eco Bank: *326#
• FCMB: *329#
• Fidelity Bank: *770#
• First Bank: *894#
• GTBank: *737#
• Heritage Bank: *745#
• Keystone Bank: *7111#
• Kuda Bank: *894#
• Opay: *955#
• Polaris Bank: *833#
• Stanbic IBTC Bank: *909#
• Sterling Bank: *822#
• UBA: *919#
• Unity Bank: *779#
• Wema Bank: *945#
• Zenith Bank: *966#

Service Provider USSD Codes in Nigeria

To access services like money transfers, bill payments, or airtime purchases, simply dial the relevant bank's USSD code and follow the instructions that appear on the screen.

In addition to using bank USSD codes to pay electricity bills, some service providers also offer their own dedicated USSD codes for purchasing electricity. For instance, electricity can be bought through various platforms using specific shortcodes.

With USSD codes, users can access banking services without an internet connection, making mobile banking accessible to a larger population, including those in rural areas with limited connectivity.

Moreover, the use of USSD codes has extended beyond telecommunications and banking to utility services. For example, you can pay for electricity bills or purchase tokens using USSD codes dedicated to various electricity distribution companies. An example is the code 40200009548amount# for paying electricity bills.

Troubleshooting Tips for Using USSD Codes
Using USSD codes is simple and doesn’t require an internet connection. Here's how to do it:

• Open the dialer on your phone.
• Enter the USSD code, ensuring that it starts with an asterisk (*) and ends with a hash (#).
• Follow the on-screen prompts to complete your desired action, provided the service is available at that time.

Common Issues You May Encounter
There are a few issues you might face when using USSD codes:

1. Weak network signal
   If you’re in an area with poor signal strength, it can disrupt access to services via USSD. To resolve this, you might need to move to a location with a better signal or wait for network improvements to prevent incomplete transactions, especially when dealing with financial services.
2. Service timeouts
   Occasionally, network servers might become overloaded, causing timeouts. This means the USSD code will fail to complete your request within a certain period. The best solution is to wait for a while and attempt again later.
3. Incorrect USSD code entry
   Entering an incorrect or incomplete USSD code will result in an error or prompt you to try again. You might also receive a list of functions that don't match your intent. To fix this, ensure you carefully re-enter the code accurately.

If none of these solutions work, contact customer support for further assistance. If the issue is with your bank, reach out to their support team. For mobile network-related problems, you can contact their call center by dialing the new USSD code *300 (no need for an asterisk or hash symbol).

FAQs About USSD Codes in Nigeria

Q: How do I transfer money using USSD?
A: Transferring money via USSD is easy. Simply dial the USSD code for your bank (e.g., *737# for GTB), and follow the prompts to complete your transaction, whether it’s transferring funds or other mobile banking activities.

Q: Can I pay my electricity bill with USSD?
A: Yes, you can. You can use either your bank’s USSD code or a service provider’s specific code. Once you dial the code, follow the instructions to complete the payment.

Q: What are the new USSD codes for airtime recharge with MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile?
A: Following the directive from the NCC, all mobile networks now use a unified USSD code for airtime recharges. To recharge, simply dial 311Voucher PIN#.

Conclusion

The popularity of USSD codes in Nigeria continues to grow as they provide easy access to a wide range of services. From mobile banking to utility payments, USSD remains a vital tool for millions of Nigerians. USSD codes have also become an integral part of marketing for businesses. Many companies, especially in the Fintech sector, utilize USSD-based campaigns to reach customers without the need for internet access. These codes enable users to access promotions, redeem discounts, and participate in loyalty programs directly from their phones. It is no wonder that USSD codes will remain at the core of Nigeria's telecommunications infrastructure, particularly as they offer unparalleled access to essential services without needing internet connectivity.

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