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.
Why they were unified
The NCC harmonised common short codes so the same code does the same job on MTN, Glo, Airtel and 9mobile — making them easy to remember across networks.
The key codes
| Code | Purpose |
|---|
| 2442 | Do-Not-Disturb (DND) — stop unsolicited messages |
| 3232 | Porting (Mobile Number Portability) |
| 996 | SIM registration verification / NIN-SIM linkage |
| 321 | Share services |
| 323 | Data plan balance |
How to use them
For SMS-based services like DND, you text a keyword (e.g. STOP) to the code. For others you dial the USSD code and follow the menu. Behaviour can vary slightly by network.
Codes can change
The NCC updates codes over time, and networks keep their own additional codes (balance, recharge, bundles). Confirm the current code with your operator or the NCC.
Tips
- 2442 for spam, 3232 to port, 996 for SIM/NIN.
- Text keywords for SMS services; dial USSD codes.
- Confirm current codes with your operator.
What USSD is and why it matters
USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) is those short codes that start with * and end with # — the ones you dial to check balances, buy airtime and data, transfer money or pay bills. Its superpower is that it works on any phone, with no internet, which is why it remains the backbone of mobile banking and payments for hundreds of millions of Nigerian lines. Whether you're on a feature phone in a rural area or a smartphone with no data left, USSD keeps you connected to essential services.
USSD banking now costs ₦6.98 (End-User Billing)
A big change took effect in June 2025: under the NCC/CBN End-User Billing (EUB) model, USSD banking charges are now deducted from your mobile airtime, not your bank account. The fixed fee is ₦6.98 per session of up to 120 seconds — cheaper than the old model — and you get a consent prompt at the start of each session, so airtime is only deducted if you confirm. Two protections came with it: no double billing (only your network charges, not your bank), and the freedom to opt out of USSD banking if you'd rather use an app.
Using USSD safely
USSD is convenient but demands care, because it can move money. Stay safe by: dialling only official codes (get them from your bank's verified channels, not random SMS); never sharing your USSD/banking PIN with anyone, including “support” callers; keeping a SIM PIN so a lost phone can't be used; and being alert to SIM-swap risks, since your line controls banking access. If USSD won't connect, contact your network operator; if a banking transaction fails, contact your bank.
Frequently asked questions
What are the NCC unified USSD codes?
Harmonised short codes that work the same across MTN, Glo, Airtel and 9mobile — e.g. 2442 (DND), 3232 (porting), 996 (SIM/NIN), 321 (share services), 323 (data balance).
What code stops spam messages?
2442 — the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) code; text STOP to 2442 for full DND.
What is the porting code?
3232 — for Mobile Number Portability (switching networks and keeping your number).
What is 996 for?
Verifying SIM registration and NIN-SIM linkage across networks.
Do these codes ever change?
Yes — the NCC updates codes over time and networks keep their own extra codes, so confirm the current code with your operator or the NCC.
What is USSD?
Unstructured Supplementary Service Data — the short codes starting with * and ending with # that you dial to check balances, buy airtime/data, transfer money and pay bills. It works on any phone without internet, which makes it central to banking and payments in Nigeria.
How much does USSD banking cost now?
Under the NCC/CBN End-User Billing model (from June 2025), each USSD banking session costs a fixed ₦6.98 for up to 120 seconds, charged to your mobile airtime rather than your bank account — cheaper than the old per-20-second rate.
Why is USSD banking charged from my airtime now?
The NCC and CBN moved to End-User Billing so charges come from your airtime, not your bank account. It gives you clearer control over spending, prevents double billing (only your network charges, not your bank), and resolved a long dispute between banks and telecoms.
Do I get a prompt before being charged for USSD?
Yes. Under End-User Billing you receive a consent prompt at the start of each USSD banking session, and airtime is only deducted after you confirm and if the bank's service is available. You can also opt out of USSD banking entirely.
Is USSD safe to use?
Yes, if you're careful: dial only official codes from your bank's verified channels, never share your USSD/banking PIN with anyone, keep a SIM PIN, and stay alert to SIM-swap risks. For connection problems contact your network; for failed banking transactions contact your bank.