Please note
Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with the NCC. This is general information — use official NCC channels (ncc.gov.ng, the Consumer Portal, DND 2442 and the toll-free line 622). Short codes, tariffs and processes can change and vary by network — confirm with the NCC or your operator.
What DND is
Do-Not-Disturb (DND) is a free NCC service, on a common short code (2442) across all networks, that lets you reject unsolicited promotional SMS and calls from your operator and telemarketers.
Full DND (STOP to 2442)
To block all promotional messages and calls, text the word STOP to 2442 from the line you want protected. You’ll get a confirmation. It’s free.
Partial DND
If you want some categories (e.g. banking alerts or specific offers) but not others, use partial DND by texting the relevant category keyword to 2442 (options are listed by the service) — so you keep useful messages and drop the noise.
Turning it off
To stop DND and receive promotions again, text ALLOW (or the reactivation keyword) to 2442.
If spam continues
DND can take a short while to fully apply. If unsolicited messages persist afterwards, escalate to the NCC via the toll-free 622 or the Consumer Portal — operators can be sanctioned for ignoring DND.
Tips
- STOP to 2442 = full DND, free.
- Use partial DND to keep alerts you want.
- Escalate via 622 if spam persists.
The 2442 command cheat-sheet
The Do-Not-Disturb service runs entirely off one short code — 2442 — and a handful of keywords you text to it:
- STOP → 2442 — Full DND: blocks all unsolicited promotional SMS and calls.
- HELP → 2442 — follow the prompt to choose which categories to receive.
- STATUS → 2442 — check your current DND status.
- ALLOW → 2442 — reopen messages.
For partial DND, text the category number to 2442 to keep receiving that type — for example 1 (Banking/Insurance/Financial), 2 (Real Estate), 3 (Education), 4 (Health) … up to 11 (News Alerts). Everything else is blocked.
DND + *305# = full control
DND stops unwanted messages, but it isn't the tool for unwanted charges. For those, pair it with *305# — the NCC's unified USSD code for Value-Added Services on every network — which lets you see your active VAS subscriptions and cancel any you didn't want. Used together, 2442 kills the promotional SMS and *305# kills the silent deductions, giving you complete control over both. See stopping VAS deductions.
Free, on every phone, every network
Two things make DND genuinely useful: it costs nothing to use, and it works on every phone — feature phone or smartphone — across all networks, because the NCC mandated every operator to implement 2442. If you text STOP and still get unsolicited messages after a reasonable time, that's a breach you can report to the NCC on 622. Activating DND is one of the fastest wins any Nigerian subscriber can get.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop spam SMS in Nigeria?
Text STOP to 2442 to activate full Do-Not-Disturb (DND), the NCC service that blocks unsolicited promotional SMS and calls. It’s free.
What is DND 2442?
The NCC’s Do-Not-Disturb service on the common short code 2442, letting you reject unsolicited promotional messages and calls across all networks.
Can I block only some messages?
Yes — use partial DND by texting the relevant category keyword to 2442, so you keep useful alerts and drop the rest.
How do I turn DND off?
Text ALLOW (or the reactivation keyword) to 2442 to start receiving promotions again.
What if spam continues after DND?
Give it a short while to apply; if it persists, escalate to the NCC via toll-free 622 or the Consumer Portal — operators can be sanctioned for ignoring DND.
What does texting STOP to 2442 do?
It activates Full DND (Do-Not-Disturb), which blocks all unsolicited promotional SMS and marketing calls from your network and telemarketers. It's free and works on every phone and network.
How do I check my DND status?
Text STATUS to 2442. You'll get a reply confirming whether your DND (full or partial) is active. Texting HELP to 2442 lets you adjust which message categories you receive.
What's the difference between full and partial DND?
Full DND (text STOP to 2442) blocks all promotional messages. Partial DND lets you keep specific categories — text the category number to 2442 to receive it, e.g. 1 for Banking/Financial, 3 for Education, up to 11 for News Alerts — while everything else is blocked.
Does DND stop VAS charges?
No — DND (2442) stops unsolicited promotional messages, not subscription charges. To stop Value-Added Service deductions, dial *305# to view and cancel active VAS subscriptions. Use both together for full control.
Is the DND service free?
Yes. Activating, changing or checking DND via 2442 costs nothing, and it works on all phones and all networks because the NCC requires every operator to provide it.