In a move that has ignited widespread public reaction, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed banks to begin deducting USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) transaction charges directly from users’ mobile airtime balances—effective June 3, 2025.
The announcement was made via the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of Nigerian Stories, sparking a wave of online debate and concern among mobile banking users across the country.
According to the directive, every time a customer initiates a USSD banking transaction—be it for checking account balance, transferring funds, or paying bills—the cost will now be subtracted from their mobile airtime, not their bank account as was previously the case.
Critics argue that this could disproportionately affect low-income earners and rural dwellers who rely heavily on USSD banking due to limited access to smartphones and internet-enabled devices. Many have called the move “anti-poor” and “insensitive,” especially amidst rising economic hardship.
Meanwhile, financial analysts say the decision may be an attempt to resolve the long-standing tug-of-war between telecom operators and banks over USSD debt settlements, which has reportedly run into billions of naira.
Neither the NCC nor the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued an official statement to clarify the implications or provide safeguards for vulnerable users. As the policy takes effect, millions of Nigerians will now have to carefully weigh airtime costs against basic banking convenience.
Stay tuned as more details emerge on this unfolding policy shift that could redefine how Nigerians access financial services.
PIONEER NEWS 