By Apex Media Network
Businesses using WhatsApp to communicate with customers may begin paying for certain messages from October 1, 2026, as Meta moves to introduce new charges on the WhatsApp Business Platform.
The new pricing structure will affect businesses that use the official WhatsApp Business Platform, formerly known as the WhatsApp Business API, particularly companies that send large volumes of customer and transactional messages.
According to reports, the charges will apply to service and other qualifying utility messages sent by businesses. Such messages include payment confirmations, order updates, delivery notifications and other communications relating to customer transactions.
The development is expected to affect sectors that rely heavily on WhatsApp for customer engagement, including banks, fintech companies, telecommunications firms, e-commerce businesses, logistics operators and large retailers.
However, ordinary WhatsApp users and most small businesses using the standard WhatsApp Business application are not expected to be directly affected by the new pricing arrangement.
Under the new system, businesses will be charged based on the type and volume of messages sent. Marketing messages will also attract separate charges under Meta’s business messaging pricing structure.
Meta has reportedly advised affected businesses and solution providers to add a valid payment method before September 30 to avoid disruption to chargeable messaging services when the new pricing takes effect.
The move could increase operating costs for Nigerian businesses that depend heavily on WhatsApp for customer service, sales, payment notifications and delivery updates.
With WhatsApp remaining one of the most widely used communication platforms in Nigeria, businesses are now expected to review their messaging strategies and prepare for the additional costs ahead of the October 1 implementation date.
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