Are you tired of constant spam calls and SMS flooding your Nigerian line? You are not alone. Millions face daily harassment from unknown numbers offering loans, “flash” calls, and fake alerts.
This complete guide provides expert tips and proven methods to block these nuisances effectively. We cover everything from simple network codes to advanced phone settings tailored for the Nigerian context.
Requirements / What You Need
- Your Active Phone Number: The Nigerian line (MTN, Glo, Airtel, or 9mobile) receiving the spam.
- Your Phone Itself: A smartphone (Android or iPhone) for app-based solutions, or any basic phone for network code solutions.
- Airtime for USSD Codes: A small credit balance (₦10-₦50 is often sufficient) to execute network-specific blocking codes, as they may incur a minor fee.
- Basic Information: Be ready to note down persistent spam numbers. For formal complaints, you may need your National Identification Number (NIN) linked to the line.
- Internet Access: Needed for downloading call-blocking apps from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. If you lack data, consider a reliable cyber café for the download, though installation will be on your phone.
- Patience for Network Delays: Understand that network codes may sometimes fail due to congestion. If a code doesn’t work immediately, wait a few minutes and try again.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Identify and Document the Spam Source
First, do not answer calls from unknown numbers. Let them ring out, then check your call log. For SMS, do not click any links. Take a screenshot or write down the full number sending the spam. In Nigeria, spammers often use normal-looking mobile numbers (e.g., 080… or 090…), not just short codes. This documentation is crucial for reporting.
Step 2: Use Your Network Provider’s USSD Code (Immediate Block)
Dial your network’s specific Do-Not-Disturb (DND) code. For MTN, dial 784#. For Airtel, dial 142#. For 9mobile, dial 2442#. For Glo, text “STOP” to 2442. Follow the on-screen menu to activate full DND (blocks all promotional messages) or partial DND. Note: Activation can take up to 24 hours. A common delay is getting a “Request Processing” message; just wait for the confirmation SMS.
Step 3: Block Numbers Manually on Your Phone
On your smartphone, go to your recent call log or SMS inbox. Tap the persistent spam number and select “Block” or “Add to reject list.” On Android, you might find this in Phone > Settings > Blocked numbers. On iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts. This blocks that specific number only, so new spam numbers will still come through.
Step 4: Install a Call-Blocking App (For Advanced Filtering)
Go to your app store (Google Play Store or Apple App Store). Search for and install a trusted app like Truecaller or Call Blocker. During setup, grant the necessary permissions. These apps use crowd-sourced data to identify and auto-block spam numbers common in Nigeria. Watch out for apps requesting excessive permissions; stick to well-known ones.
Step 5: Escalate by Reporting to the NCC
If spam persists, report to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Send a formal complaint via email to consumerportal@ncc.gov.ng. Include your number, the spam number(s), screenshots, and your NIN. You can also call NCC’s toll-free line 622. Be prepared for a process that may take several days for a resolution, as the NCC will contact your network provider.
Alternative Methods
If the standard steps are not effective for your situation, consider these alternative approaches tailored for different Nigerian contexts.
For a physical, in-person resolution, visit your network provider’s customer care centre. Locations like the MTN Plaza in Lagos or Airtel Offices in Abuja are equipped to handle DND complaints directly. This is better if you struggle with USSD codes or need immediate proof of complaint submission. Be prepared to present your NIN and phone number.
For a community or group approach, if an entire estate, market association, or university campus (like UNILAG or ABU) is affected, a collective complaint to the NCC carries more weight. Appoint a representative to compile all evidence and numbers into one formal report. This method is better for tackling spam campaigns targeting a specific location or group.
Finally, for business lines or dedicated work phones, consider contacting your provider for a corporate-level solution. They may offer advanced filtering services, though these might come at a monthly fee. This is better for protecting business operations from disruption.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: DND Code Not Working or “Service Unavailable”
You dial *784# or *142# but get an error message or no response. This is often due to network congestion, common with Glo and 9mobile during peak hours, or a temporary system glitch.
Solution: First, ensure you have at least ₦20 airtime. Try the code at a different time, like early morning or late night. If it persists, use the alternative method: for MTN, text “STOP” to 2442. You can also contact customer care via their shortcode (e.g., 180 for MTN) and insist they activate DND manually on their backend.
Problem: Still Receiving Spam After Activating DND
You get a confirmation SMS but promotional messages from banks or betting companies like Bet9ja still come through. This happens because some companies misuse “service messages” to bypass DND filters.
Solution: This requires escalation. Reply to the specific message with “STOP” if it’s from a recognized sender. For persistent offenders, take a screenshot showing the message and the date you activated DND, and forward it to the NCC consumer portal. The NCC fines companies for this violation, so your report is powerful.
Problem: Can’t Report to NCC Portal or No Feedback
The NCC consumer portal (consumerportal.ncc.gov.ng) may be slow or your complaint email gets no reply. Many Nigerians experience long resolution delays or feel the process is opaque.
Solution: Always get a ticket reference number. If you receive no acknowledgment within 3 working days, re-send your complaint and CC ncc@ncc.gov.ng. For urgent matters, use their social media handles on Twitter (X) @NgComCommission, as public queries often get faster responses. You can also visit an NCC office in your state capital.
Fees, Costs and Timeline
Officially, activating the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) service via USSD code from your network provider is free. However, executing the USSD code itself may require a minimal airtime balance of roughly ₦10 to ₦20, which is deducted as a standard network fee.
Beware of agents at cyber cafés or phone repair shops who may charge an unofficial fee of ₦200 to ₦500 to “help” you block spam. This service is something you can do yourself for free in minutes. There are no state-specific variations in these official costs.
The timeline for DND activation is usually instant but can take up to 24 hours to fully take effect. Reporting a number to the NCC for investigation is a longer process; expect an acknowledgment within 3 working days, but a full resolution can take 1 to 2 weeks as the commission liaises with the offending service provider.
Warnings and Scams to Avoid
- Avoid “Agents” Offering Instant Blocking: Be wary of individuals at markets or bus stops promising to permanently block spam for a fee. They often overcharge for the free USSD service and could gain access to your phone for malicious purposes.
- Ignore WhatsApp or SMS “Links to Block Spam”: A common scam involves messages claiming to be from “MTN Customer Care” or “NCC” with a link to “upgrade your DND.” Never click. These are phishing links designed to steal personal data. The NCC and legitimate networks will never send blocking links via WhatsApp.
- Verify Official Portals: Only use the official NCC website (ncc.gov.ng) or consumer portal. Do not use search engine ads for “NCC complaint,” as they may lead to fake portals mimicking the official site to harvest your details.
- Do Not Share OTPs or Bank Details: No genuine spam-blocking process will ever require you to share a One-Time Password (OTP), your bank account number, or your BVN. Any request for this is a definite scam.
Acceptance, Use and Next Steps
Your activated DND service is fully accepted and enforced across all Nigerian networks—MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile—as it is a mandate from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Once active, it applies nationwide, regardless of your state.
Your immediate next step should be to monitor your calls and messages for the next 48 hours. Keep a note if any promotional SMS slips through. If you used a call-blocking app like Truecaller, regularly update it through your app store to ensure its spam database is current for Nigerian numbers.
Honestly, understand the limitation: the DND service primarily blocks promotional messages from registered marketing companies. It is less effective against personal harassment calls from individual numbers or international spam calls, which require manual blocking on your phone or via your app. For these, you must take the additional step of reporting the specific number to your network provider or the NCC using the evidence you’ve gathered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will blocking spam calls also block my bank alerts?
No. Activating Full DND or blocking numbers manually does not affect transaction alerts from your bank. Banks use a different category for essential service messages. If your bank alerts stop, it is likely an issue with your account or network, not the DND service. You can contact your bank’s customer care to verify your alert settings.
How do I unblock a number I accidentally blocked?
On your phone, go to your call settings. For Android, navigate to Phone > Settings > Blocked numbers. For iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts. Find the number and select “Unblock.” If you blocked via a network code, you can deactivate DND by dialing the same code (e.g., *784# for MTN) and selecting the “Deactivate” option from the menu.
Why am I still getting “flash” calls after blocking?
“Flash” calls (where the caller rings once and hangs up) are a common tactic to get you to call back, often to premium rate numbers. DND cannot block these as they are actual call attempts, not messages. Your best defense is to never call back unknown numbers that ring once. Use a call-identifying app to label such numbers as spam.
Is there a way to block all unknown calls in Nigeria?
Yes, but with a major caveat. On iPhones, use “Silence Unknown Callers” in Settings. On Android, use “Call Screening” or a third-party app. However, this will also block legitimate calls from new contacts, like delivery agents or potential employers. For most Nigerians, this is not practical. A better strategy is using an app like Truecaller to identify, not blindly block, all unknowns.
Can I report spam SMS that are in Pidgin or local language?
Absolutely. The NCC accepts reports of spam in any language used in Nigeria, including Pidgin, Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa. When reporting, include a screenshot of the message in the original language. The content is assessed by the NCC, and the sender’s language does not exempt them from penalties under the DND regulations.
What should I do if a spam message claims to be from my network?
Do not reply or click any links. Legitimate network communications will come from official shortcodes (e.g., 131 for MTN info). Forward the suspicious SMS to a dedicated network spam line: for MTN, forward to 7726; for Airtel, forward to 7726; for Glo, forward to 7726; for 9mobile, forward to 7726. This free service helps networks track and shut down phishing sources.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes to educate Nigerian consumers on standard procedures for managing spam communications. While we strive for accuracy, network codes, processes, and regulations may change. We are not affiliated with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) or any mobile network operator. For the most current official information, always refer directly to your service provider’s customer care or the NCC’s official website at ncc.gov.ng.