Do Not Disturb (DND) is a service provided by Nigerian telecommunications operators that allows mobile phone users to opt out of receiving unsolicited promotional messages and calls. When a number is registered on DND, it blocks most commercial SMS and voice calls from reaching the user.
Understanding DND in Nigeria
Why DND Exists
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) introduced DND to protect consumers from spam and unwanted marketing communications. Users can activate DND by:
Sending "STOP" to 2442 (free of charge)
Contacting their network provider
Using their network's self-service app
How DND Affects Bulk SMS
When you send bulk SMS to numbers on the DND list using standard routes:
Messages are automatically blocked by the network
Your credits are not deducted (no charge for failed delivery)
You miss reaching potentially interested customers
Campaign reach and effectiveness are reduced
Legal Ways to Reach DND Numbers
1. Corporate/Premium Routes
These are special SMS routes approved by the NCC that can deliver messages to DND numbers legally. They are designed for:
Messages from established businesses with customer relationships
2. Get Customer Consent
Even with corporate routes, you should:
Obtain explicit permission to send messages
Keep records of consent
Provide clear opt-out mechanisms
Honor unsubscribe requests immediately
BulkSMS Nigeria DND Delivery Options
Standard Route (Non-DND)
Price: From ₦5.62 per SMS
Delivery: All non-DND numbers
Best For: Cost-effective bulk messaging
Networks: MTN, GLO, Airtel, 9mobile
Corporate Route (DND-Enabled)
Price: Premium pricing (higher than standard)
Delivery: Both DND and non-DND numbers
Best For: Maximum reach and critical messages
Sender ID: Registered business sender IDs only
When to Use DND Delivery
✅ Appropriate Use Cases
Transactional Messages
Messages directly related to customer transactions:
Order confirmations and receipts
Shipping and delivery notifications
Payment confirmations
Account statements
Service Notifications
Important updates about services the customer uses:
Appointment reminders
Subscription renewals
Account alerts
Service disruptions
Security & Verification
OTP codes
Two-factor authentication
Password reset links
Login alerts
❌ Inappropriate Use Cases
Do NOT use DND delivery for:
Unsolicited promotional offers
Generic marketing blasts
Purchased contact lists
Messages without customer consent
DND Compliance Best Practices
1. Build Permission-Based Lists
Only send messages to contacts who have:
Signed up on your website
Made a purchase
Requested information
Given explicit consent
2. Use Appropriate Message Types
Transactional Gateway: For order updates, OTPs, confirmations Corporate Gateway: For service messages to existing customers Standard Gateway: For non-DND promotional messages
3. Register Your Sender ID
Corporate routes require:
Verified business registration
Registered sender ID (your brand name)
Compliance with NCC guidelines
4. Include Opt-Out Options
Every promotional message should include:
"Reply STOP to opt out" or "Text STOP to 2442 to unsubscribe"
5. Maintain Clean Lists
Remove unsubscribers immediately
Clean invalid numbers regularly
Segment by engagement level
Respect opt-out requests
Understanding DND Status Codes
When checking delivery reports, you may see:
Status
Meaning
Action
Delivered
Message successfully delivered
No action needed
DND Active
Number has DND enabled
Use corporate route or remove from list
Pending
Message queued for delivery
Wait for final status
Failed
Invalid number or network issue
Verify number and retry
Cost Comparison: Standard vs Corporate Routes
Standard Route
✅ Lower cost (₦5.62+)
✅ Good for bulk campaigns
❌ Cannot reach DND numbers
❌ May have lower delivery rates
Corporate Route
✅ Reaches all numbers (DND + non-DND)
✅ Higher delivery rates
✅ Better sender ID reliability
❌ Higher cost per message
How to Check if a Number is on DND
There's no public API to check DND status, but you can:
Test Send: Send a test message and check delivery status
Ask Customers: Include opt-in forms asking about DND status
Monitor Reports: Track delivery failures due to DND
Use Analytics: Identify patterns in non-deliveries
Strategies to Build Non-DND Lists
1. Website Opt-Ins
Add SMS subscription checkboxes during:
Account registration
Checkout process
Newsletter signups
Contest entries
2. In-Store Collection
Point-of-sale registration
Loyalty program signups
Receipt opt-ins
3. Social Media Campaigns
"Text JOIN to [shortcode]"
Landing pages with SMS opt-in
Giveaways requiring phone numbers
4. Incentivize Subscriptions
Exclusive discounts for SMS subscribers
Early access to sales
Birthday rewards
VIP customer programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy DND-free contact lists?
No. Purchased lists violate NDPR and are illegal. Build your own permission-based lists.
Will using corporate routes guarantee delivery?
Corporate routes significantly improve delivery to DND numbers, but success still depends on network availability, number validity, and message content.
No. Only the phone number owner can deactivate DND by texting "ALLOW" to 2442.
Do transactional messages need corporate routes?
Not always. True transactional messages (OTPs, order confirmations) may use standard routes, but corporate routes ensure better delivery.
Setting Up DND Delivery on BulkSMS Nigeria
Login to Your Account: Access your dashboard
Compose Your Message: Go to "Compose SMS"
Select Gateway: Choose "Corporate Route" or "Direct-Corporate"
Register Sender ID: Use your registered business name
Upload Contacts: Add your permission-based list
Send & Monitor: Track delivery rates in real-time
Conclusion
DND delivery is a powerful tool when used responsibly. Focus on building quality, permission-based contact lists and use corporate routes for legitimate business communications. Always prioritize customer consent and compliance with Nigerian regulations.
Need Help with DND Delivery?
Our team can help you set up corporate routes and ensure compliance with Nigerian regulations.