Telecommunications operators yesterday commenced direct billing of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) sessions on subscribers’ airtime, following a directive from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Under the new End-User Billing (EUB) model, which took effect on June 18, 2025, mobile users will be charged NGN 6.98 for each 120-second USSD session, with fees deducted directly from their airtime balance.
The Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) clarified that this move supersedes earlier notices from some banks, which had indicated a June 3 start for USSD deductions. ALTON noted that the EUB policy was jointly developed by the NCC, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other stakeholders to foster transparency and strengthen Nigeria’s digital financial infrastructure.
Speaking in a virtual briefing, ALTON Chairman Engr. Gbenga Adebayo disclosed that commercial banks have cleared 95 percent of the N180 billion USSD debt accumulated as of January 2025.
“Only three banks remain to settle their obligations,” he said, adding that institutions preferring to stick with corporate billing may do so, provided their outstanding balances are fully paid.
Adebayo emphasized that subscribers will not be billed for failed USSD sessions due to network issues.
“If a transaction fails on the operator’s side, the customer is not charged. But if it fails at the bank’s end after successful transmission, the airtime deduction stands,” he explained. He warned customers who notice duplicate deductions, first on airtime and then in their bank accounts, to lodge complaints with their banks to avoid double billing.
To participate in the new model, banks must meet regulatory requirements, including timely notification of customers and clear education on how USSD charges will be applied. ALTON further assured that alternative banking channels, such as mobile apps, internet banking and ATMs, will remain fully operational.
Subscribers, however, have called on operators to uphold high standards. Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, president of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers of Nigeria (NATCOMS), welcomed the roll-out but urged telecom firms to provide clear billing statements and reliable network quality.
“Subscribers must not be overcharged, and banks should not indirectly pass USSD fees to customers,” he said.
In its support guidelines, ALTON outlined that customers facing access issues should contact their network provider, while transaction errors must be addressed with their banks. Both telcos and financial institutions are mandated to maintain responsive customer service.
The transition to EUB follows prolonged disputes between banks and mobile network operators over USSD levies. In December 2024, the CBN and NCC sought to resolve a cumulative USSD debt of N250 billion.
By January 2025, the NCC had threatened to suspend services and disconnect USSD codes assigned to delinquent banks. MTN Nigeria later confirmed receipt of N32 billion toward its share of the outstanding debt.
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