Amid rising costs in the telecommunications sector, many Nigerian bank customers are now opting for email notifications over traditional SMS alerts to cut down on service charges.
This shift comes as several banks, including Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) and Wema Bank, have increased the fee for SMS alerts from N4 to N6, citing higher operational costs and telecom service adjustments.
The development has triggered reactions from users who say they are now forced to adjust their banking preferences due to Nigeria’s economic challenges.
The rising cost of living, attributed largely to government policies under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has affected multiple sectors, including telecommunications, where both SMS and call tariff rates have witnessed sharp increases in recent months.
Speaking to reporters in Abuja, several residents confirmed that they had disabled SMS alerts in favor of email notifications, which come at no additional cost to their bank accounts.
“It may seem like a small amount, but N6 per message adds up quickly, especially when you have multiple transactions in a day. Email alerts are free and just as effective,” said Musa Lawal, a civil servant based in Abuja.
As more Nigerians seek to reduce non-essential charges, financial institutions are seeing an increased demand for digital and cost-effective banking alternatives.
