Starting Wednesday, June 18, 2025, Nigerian telecom operators will charge subscribers directly from their airtime for USSD banking services, following the Nigerian Communications Commission’s new End-User Billing model.
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), led by Chairman Gbenga Adebayo, announced the shift, which replaces bank account deductions with a ₦6.98 charge per 120-second USSD session. Subscribers will receive consent prompts before charges are applied, ensuring transparency. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and NCC have set conditions for banks to transition to this model.
The change aims to resolve a long-standing dispute between telecoms and banks over unpaid USSD fees, which have exceeded ₦120 billion. Adebayo urged subscribers to use alternative digital channels like mobile apps and ATMs, which remain unaffected. The NCC’s directive follows years of negotiations, with banks previously remitting fees on behalf of telcos.
ALTON emphasized collaboration with regulators to ensure a smooth transition. Subscribers facing access issues are advised to contact their mobile operators, while transaction-related concerns should be directed to banks. The new billing structure is expected to enhance clarity and streamline financial transactions for Nigeria’s 40 million USSD users.
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