Meta introduces new per-message charges for businesses using WhatsApp’s Business Platform in Nigeria from October 1.
WhatsApp is set to introduce new charges for certain business messages sent to Nigerian users from October 1, 2026, a move that could increase communication costs for companies that rely on the platform to engage customers.
The charges will apply primarily to businesses using the WhatsApp Business Platform (API) for large-scale customer communication. Regular WhatsApp users and businesses using the standard WhatsApp Business app will not be directly affected.
Under the new pricing structure, businesses are expected to pay different rates depending on the type of message sent, with utility and marketing messages attracting separate charges.
The development could affect banks, fintech companies, retailers, airlines, telecommunications firms and other organisations that use WhatsApp for customer service, transaction alerts, order updates and marketing.
However, ordinary Nigerians will not be charged for sending or receiving regular WhatsApp messages as a result of the new policy. The charges are targeted at businesses using Meta’s commercial messaging platform.
