LAGOS — Meta, the parent company behind WhatsApp, is gearing up to implement new per-message fees for specific business communications on the WhatsApp Business Platform, effective October 1, 2026.
With this new pricing model, businesses utilizing the platform will incur charges for certain service and utility messages sent to customers. These utility messages encompass things like payment confirmations, order updates, and delivery notifications.
According to Meta’s official pricing details, businesses on the WhatsApp Business Platform will be billed based on the type of message and the market where it’s sent.
In Nigeria, reports suggest that a chargeable utility message might cost around $0.0101 (roughly ₦14), though this amount can fluctuate with exchange rates. On the other hand, marketing messages will come with a significantly higher price tag.
It’s important to note that regular WhatsApp users won’t face any charges for sending or receiving personal messages. The new fees will mainly impact businesses that use the WhatsApp Business Platform/API to engage with customers on a larger scale.
This change could lead to increased operating expenses for Nigerian banks, fintech companies, retailers, logistics firms, and other businesses that heavily depend on WhatsApp for customer interactions. As a result, some businesses might end up passing on a portion of these extra costs to their customers.
Apex News | Technology & Business
Connect with the Apex News channel on WhatsApp for the latest news updates, breaking stories, and important information.
Join Apex News WhatsApp Channel
l
