GTBank is trending nationwide, and it has everything to do with money—specifically, a sudden hike in SMS alert charges that has left customers fuming and social media ablaze. The bank, along with several others in Nigeria, recently announced an increment in SMS alert fees from ₦4 to ₦6 per message, effective May 1, 2025. This move, though small in figures, has sparked major backlash among customers who view the increase as unjustified amid ongoing economic hardship.
According to reports from Punch, Sahara Reporters, and Channels TV, the new rate is linked to revised tariffs introduced by mobile network providers. However, customers argue that banks like GTBank should explore alternative means of notification—such as free email alerts or app push notifications—rather than passing costs to already strained account holders.
Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook have been flooded with angry reactions. Some users threatened to deactivate SMS alerts altogether, while others accused banks of exploiting Nigerians through hidden charges. GTBank, one of the most popular banks in the country, is bearing the brunt of the outrage due to its large customer base and visibility.
While the Central Bank of Nigeria has not issued a formal directive mandating the hike, industry insiders suggest that banks are simply adjusting to telcos’ new charges. Still, the lack of customer consultation or public awareness ahead of the move has fueled the trend and intensified the criticism.
The trending conversation goes beyond a simple fee hike—it speaks to a larger issue of customer trust, transparency, and how digital banking services are monetized in Nigeria. For many, this is not just a ₦2 increase; it’s a symbol of growing frustration with banking policies that feel disconnected from the realities of everyday Nigerians.
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