By Arinze Uzo
Business News Correspondent
In a long-awaited resolution to the lingering dispute over Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) service charges, telecom operators, banks, and relevant stakeholders have reached an agreement to bill subscribers directly via their airtime balance. The decision effectively shifts the financial burden of USSD transactions—previously contested between banks and telcos—onto mobile subscribers. The development follows months of wrangling between banks and telecommunications providers over who should bear the cost of delivering USSD services, which are widely used by Nigerians for banking transactions, balance inquiries, fund transfers, and other mobile services. The dispute had at one point led to threats of USSD service suspensions by telecom operators due to accumulated debts owed by banks—debts that reportedly rose to over ₦120 billion. Under the new arrangement, which was brokered with the involvement of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), subscribers will now see their airtime accounts debited directly for every USSD transaction they initiate. The standardized fee is expected to range from ₦6.98 to ₦10 per session, depending on the service and network provider. Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, hailed the resolution as a win for operational clarity and service sustainability. “What we have now is a billing framework that ensures uninterrupted USSD access while safeguarding the interests of service providers,” he said. He also assured consumers that all deductions would be transparent and regulated. Banks, on their part, have welcomed the decision, noting that it relieves them of the financial pressure of settling USSD debts with telcos. According to a statement by the Body of Bank CEOs, “This arrangement ensures continuity of digital banking services and protects customers from abrupt service disruptions.” However, the news has drawn mixed reactions from subscribers. While some applaud the clarity and continuity it brings, others criticize the added financial burden, particularly in a country where many already face economic hardship and depend heavily on USSD due to limited internet access. Consumer advocacy groups have called for a review of USSD pricing and increased transparency in how charges are applied. “We understand the need for sustainable service delivery, but subscribers should not be penalized for inefficiencies between service providers,” said Tunde Adebayo, spokesperson for the Nigerian Consumer Rights Network. As telcos prepare to implement the new billing model nationwide, industry watchers say the agreement marks a crucial step toward stabilizing Nigeria’s digital financial ecosystem. It remains to be seen, however, whether the shift in cost burden will drive more customers to seek alternative, possibly cheaper, platforms for mobile financial transactions. In the meantime, subscribers are advised to monitor their airtime usage closely and stay informed through official communications from their banks and network providers.
