The popular MTN USSD code *556# has gone defunct in the last 24hours.
Dialing the code no longer presents the familiar popup message, instead, it says the xode is wrong and presents a menu of 7 options of operations and the codes required to perform them.
This is because Nigerian telecommunication companies and mobile network providers, MTN, Glo, Airtel and 9mobile have all implemented the new harmonized codes as directed by the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC).
The NCC had informed all mobile network providers to migrate and fully adopt the Unified USSD codes by May 17, 2023. This means that the same USSD codes will be used for the same operations across all networks.
So, to check airtime balance for example, MTN will no longer use *556# while Glo uses #124#. Rather, both MTN and Glo, and the other networks will now use the same code *310#
All mobile network service providers now use the same USSD codes for recharge, account balance, customer care etc. The new codes are;
- Call Centre – 300
- Borrow Services – *303#
- Stop Service – *305#
- Check Balance – *310#
- Credit Recharge – *311#
- Data plans – *312#
- Data plan Balance – *323#
- Share Services – *321#
- Voicemail Deposit – 301
- Voicemail retrieval – 302
A few codes however remain unchanged.
These include
- DND – 2442
- Porting Services – 3232
- NIN verification and NIN-SIM linkage – *996#
This implementation comes in the middle of yet- to- be -resolved issues between service providers and some banks who have failed to offset their debts for USSD services.
Nigerian telecommunications companies are reported to have secured government approval through the NCC to disconnect such banks’ USSD code. This means that customers of these banks may not be able to perform transactions using the USSD codes until the debts are paid.
NCC says the unified USSD codes is to enhance customer experience and streamline service delivery across all networks.
