Harmonized Short Codes for All Service Providers: 13 New Universal Short Codes

The Nigerian Communications Commission has directed all licensed all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to commence implementation of approved Harmonized Short Codes (HSC) for providing services to Nigerian telecom consumers.

This is a measure initiated by the Commission in a bid to improve the Quality of Experience (QoE) of consumers by easing them off the stress occasioned by memorizing multiple short codes across all mobile networks. The new initiative will enable consumers using the over 223 million active mobile telephone lines in Nigeria to use the same codes to access services across all networks. For instance, the same code *310# will be used for checking airtime balance across all the networks.

Asides improving consumers’ QoE, the harmonization will free up the old multiple codes for the use of Value-Added Service (VAS) licensees in the telecom industry and enhance a cohesive regulatory framework, in line with world-class practices.

The existing codes peculiar to individual mobile networks co-existed with the Harmonized Short Codes until May 17, 2023.

The thirteen (13) Harmonized Short Codes are below: