USSD, SMS, WhatsApp and Call Center Set Up & Pricing in Nigeria.
Nigeria, with a population of over 223 million, has a robust telecommunication infrastructure. The country boasts more than 200 million mobile phone users, reflecting a high level of connectivity. Internet penetration in Nigeria stands at approximately 60%, driven by the widespread use of smartphones and data services. USSD is immensely popular in Nigeria, offering a convenient way to access various services. Notable USSD codes include *123# for checking balances, *404# for airtime top-ups, and *737# for banking services. Major companies leveraging USSD include MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile, providing customers with easy access to account management and financial services. WhatsApp and SMS are critical tools for marketing in Nigeria.
In Nigeria, the telecommunications landscape offers various SMS services, each governed by Nigeria's specific regulations. Short codes, popular in Nigeria for services like mobile banking, require approval from Nigeria's national communications authority. Nigeria's businesses can use marketing SMS for promotions, but must adhere to Nigeria's registration and consent requirements. Transactional SMS in Nigeria face less stringent rules but must comply with Nigeria's data protection laws. Premium Rate Services SMS in Nigeria, which charge users for content, typically need a license from Nigeria's regulatory body and must follow Nigeria's pricing transparency guidelines.
SMS - Brand Name
A unique identifier used in SMS messaging to display the sender's name or brand instead of a phone number e.g DOMINOS. Does not allow for 2 way messaging on SMS. Cost per Telco.
NONE
Free
Two Way SMS (Set-up)- Shared
Users will be required to always Prefix the message with a keyword.
NONE
Free
SMS Sent (Per)
Bulk SMS is used for marketing, alerts, and customer communication. SMS is cost-effective and has higher open rates than email.
NGN
2.9
WhatsApp pricing in Nigeria
WhatsApp's popularity in Nigeria stems from WhatsApp's data efficiency in areas with limited internet. WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption ensures secure communication for Nigeria's users. The WhatsApp API Cloud enables Nigeria's businesses to scale customer interactions, while WhatsApp's wide adoption makes it ideal for customer service. WhatsApp's compatibility with lower-end smartphones promotes digital inclusion across Nigeria. The WhatsApp API Cloud allows Nigeria's companies to implement chatbots and integrate systems, supporting business growth even in regions with unstable connections.
WhatsApp (Per 24hr Session)
WhatsApp Business platform employs a conversation-based pricing model, charging businesses for each conversation within a 24-hour period. Conversations are categorized as service, utility, authentication, or marketing, with varying prices based on the category and the customer's country code Learn more on WhatsApp billing.
USD
0.0225
WhatsApp (Setup)
A one time set up charge to to cover the initial technical configuration, custom development, and client onboarding process.
USD
49
USSD pricing in Nigeria
Nigeria leverages USSD technology for interactive, menu-driven services that operate without internet, crucial for Nigeria's digital inclusion efforts. In Nigeria, USSD facilitates mobile banking, public service delivery, and information access, serving both urban and rural populations through its compatibility with basic phones. Nigeria's telecom regulator oversees USSD short codes, ensuring fair access across mobile networks and adhering to Nigeria's specific numbering plan. Despite growing smartphone adoption, USSD remains vital in Nigeria for its universal accessibility, helping bridge the digital divide and spurring innovation in sectors ranging from agriculture to healthcare.
USSD Shared Code (Monthly)
The fee is charged to keep the shared USSD code active. This is charged per telco.
NGN
53,750
USSD Dedicated Code (Setup)
A dedicated USSD code is a unique short code assigned to a specific organization or service provider. A dedicated USSD is similar to *123#
NGN
225,000
Dedicated USSD Code (Monthly)
This fee is charged per month to keep the USSD code active and is charged per Telco.
NGN
70,000
USSD Usage Postpaid (Per dial)
This is the cost per USSD session. A session starts when a user dials the code on their phone, and the flat rate is charged to the business in postpaid pricing.
NGN
2.0
USSD Usage Prepaid (Per dial)
This is the cost per USSD session. A session starts when a user dials the code on their phone, which is a flat rate. In Prepaid, the customer is charged.
NGN
4.89
Voice (IVR) pricing in Nigeria
Nigeria's voice service landscape is rapidly evolving, with call centers emerging as hubs for both local support and international outsourcing, capitalizing on Nigeria's multilingual workforce. Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems in Nigeria are bridging literacy gaps, providing critical information in local dialects for health, agriculture, and government services. Nigeria's adoption of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is reshaping business communication, though it faces regulatory challenges as Nigeria balances innovation with traditional telecom interests. As Nigeria leapfrogs legacy systems, voice technologies are enabling unique solutions like mobile money authorization via voice biometrics and community radio integration with IVR for wider information dissemination.
Virtual Phone Number (Per Month)
A virtual number that routes calls within an organisation. It allows for multiple people to call in or out in parallel and can play a welcome message (IVR) to callers.
NGN
5,000
Virtual Phone Number (Setup)
A one-off cost to set-up a phone number
NONE
Free
Voice - Incoming Call (Per Sec)
Receiving calls to your virtual phone numbers incurs a routing and connection cost.
NGN
3
Voice - Outgoing Call (Per Sec)
Making calls from your virtual phone numbers incurs a routing and connection cost.