The Nigerian Communications Commission has approved a standard set of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data, or USSD codes, for all cell networks in the country.
These codes are now used by all telecommunications companies in the country.
We reported previously that Nigerian network operators under the Association of Licenced Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) began harmonizing short codes across all networks after the NCC’s regulatory modernization drive.
To put it in clear perspective, for instance, as an MTN subscriber, you can no longer recharge your line using the regular MTN codes *555# and *556#. The same is the case for Glo, Airtel, and 9Mobile.
It also means that any mobile networks provider, like MTN, Glo, Airtel, 9Mobile, or another, that doesn’t move will stop being able to serve its users. Also, it says that all mobile network services will use a single customer service number, as well as a single code for adding credit and a code for checking data amounts.
So, MTN, Airtel, GLO, and 9Mobile have started telling their millions of customers to use the new transaction numbers. This piece gives an update on the new USSD codes that MTN, Airtel, GLO, and 9Mobile, which are Nigeria’s four largest mobile networks, have agreed to use.
Read also: The Central Bank Of Nigeria Unveils USSD Code For eNaira Transactions
MTN NG
If you use MTN, you might have observed that *556# and its variants are no longer functioning. The same applies to the data code, which was once *131#. These are the new codes.
For airtime recharge, the new code is *311* Voucher PIN #.
To check MTN’s airtime balance, the new code is *310#.
To borrow airtime, dial *303#.
To buy data, dial *312#.
To share data, dial *321#.
To check your data balance, dial *323#.
For MTN value-added services, dial *305#.
To link your NIN to your MTN line, dial *996#.
To check your MTN phone number,
Dial *123#. Choose Account Info or 1.
From the new menu, choose My Number, and your number will be displayed in the pop-up on your screen.
You can also just dial *123*1*1# for a straightforward path.
Airtel NG
Airtel users will also need to let the old *124# for checking balances go. The new USSD codes are:
For airtime recharge, the new code is *311* Voucher PIN #.
To check Airtel’s airtime balance, the new code is *310#.
To borrow airtime, dial *303#.
To buy data, dial *312#.
To share data, dial *321#.
To check your data balance, dial *323#.
For Airtel value-added services, dial *305#.
To link your NIN to your Airtel line, dial *996#.
Glo NG
For GLO airtime recharge, the new code is *311* Voucher PIN #.
To check GLO’s airtime balance, the new code is *310#.
To borrow airtime, dial *303#.
To buy data, dial *312#.
To share data, dial *321#.
To check your data balance, dial *323#.
For GLO value-added services, dial *305#.
To link your NIN to your GLO line, dial *996#.
9Mobile
For airtime recharge, the new code is *311* Voucher PIN #.
To check 9Mobile’s airtime balance, the new code is *310#.
To borrow airtime, dial *303#.
To buy data, dial *312#.
To share data, dial *321#.
To check your data balance, dial *323#.
For 9Mobile value-added services, dial *305#.
To link your NIN to your 9Mobile line, dial *996#.
What USSD code remains unchanged?
Keep in mind that because some network providers have not yet fully embraced the new USSD codes, if you try any of these codes and they do not work, you may need to try the older ones. It is also important to note that the commission did not change some numbers or how they work; these codes are
996 now checks the registration of a user identity module (SIM) or the linking of a NIN to a SIM.
2442 is kept for managing Do-Not-Disturb (DND) unwanted message complaints.
3232 is also kept for porting services, which are also called cell number portability.