The Nigerian banking system has moved far from the days when you must walk into a banking hall for every little transaction. Today, with microfinance banks like LAPO, you can easily send money, save, and even buy airtime or data directly from your account without stress.
LAPO Microfinance Bank (MFB) has been operating since 1987 and officially licensed as a national microfinance bank in 2012. The bank is focused on supporting small businesses, market women, students, and individuals with loans, savings, and financial inclusion tools. With over 500 branches nationwide and more than 3 million active customers, LAPO has become one of the most trusted microfinance banks in Nigeria.
Aside from loans and savings, LAPO also allows customers to buy airtime and mobile data straight from their accounts, either through their mobile app or via USSD.
What LAPO Offers Customers
Here are some of the major services LAPO provides:
- Loans – quick access to credit for individuals, traders, and MSMEs.
- Savings Accounts – safe and secure savings plans with flexible terms.
- Current Accounts – everyday banking services for individuals and businesses.
- Bill Payments – electricity, TV subscriptions, internet, and more.
- Airtime & Data Recharge – buy airtime/data directly from your account balance.
- USSD Banking (*371#) – perform transactions without internet.
- Agency & Mobile App – easy access through LAPO agents and mobile banking app.
How to Buy Airtime from LAPO Using USSD
Follow this simple step-by-step guide to recharge airtime on your phone:
- Dial *371# on your registered phone number.
- From the main menu, select Airtime/Data.
- Choose the option for Airtime Recharge.
- Enter the phone number you want to recharge (your line or another line).
- Enter the amount of airtime you want to buy.
- Confirm the transaction with your USSD PIN.
- Wait for an on-screen message and SMS confirmation.
Your line will be credited immediately with the airtime.
How to Buy Data from LAPO Using USSD
To buy mobile data bundles directly:
- Dial *371# on your registered phone.
- Select Airtime/Data.
- Choose the option for Data Bundle.
- Enter the phone number to receive the data.
- Select your preferred data plan from the list.
- Confirm the transaction with your PIN.
- You’ll get a confirmation message and the data will reflect instantly.
Troubleshooting (Quick Fixes)
Sometimes you may run into small issues when trying to recharge:
- “Banking services temporarily unavailable” → wait 10–30 minutes and try again.
- Transaction failed but money deducted → usually reverses within 24 hours; if not, contact LAPO customer care.
- Invalid PIN → reset your PIN through the app or nearest branch.
- No response after dialing *371# → check your mobile network and ensure you are dialing the code correctly.
FAQ
Q1: What is the LAPO USSD code for airtime and data?
The official USSD code is *371#. From the menu, choose Airtime/Data to proceed.
Q2: Can I recharge another person’s phone from my LAPO account?
Yes. You can enter any valid Nigerian mobile number while buying airtime or data.
Q3: Is there a daily limit for airtime and data purchases?
Yes. LAPO sets daily transaction limits depending on your account type. For higher limits, you may need to upgrade your account at the branch.
Q4: What if I don’t receive the airtime or data immediately?
First confirm your account was debited. If yes and you didn’t get value, wait for a few minutes. If it still doesn’t reflect, contact LAPO support.
Conclusion
Buying airtime and data from your LAPO Microfinance Bank account is one of the simplest services they provide. You don’t need to stress over physical recharge cards or unreliable vendors. Just dial *371#, follow the prompts, and recharge instantly, anytime, anywhere.
With this, LAPO continues to make banking easy, fast, and stress-free for millions of Nigerians.
