LAGOS – Get ready for a change in how you pay for USSD banking. Starting Tuesday, June 3, 2025, Nigerian bank customers will see charges for these quick banking services deducted directly from their mobile airtime. This significant shift comes from a new directive by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The new NCC USSD charges policy marks a departure from the previous system of bank account deductions.
United Bank for Africa (UBA) has already started informing its customers. In a notice, UBA explained, “Charges for USSD banking services will no longer be deducted from your bank account. Going forward, these charges will be deducted directly from your mobile airtime balance in accordance with the NCC’s End-User Billing model.” Under this new structure, each USSD session will cost ₦6.98 for every 120 seconds, billed by your mobile network operator. Crucially, customer consent will be required before any airtime is deducted.
Your Choice: Consent to New NCC USSD Charges or Opt-Out
UBA emphasized that users will now face a clear consent prompt each time they initiate a USSD session. “Airtime will only be deducted upon your confirmation and availability of the bank to fulfill this service,” the bank clarified. For customers who find this new airtime deduction model for USSD charges inconvenient, there’s an option to simply stop using USSD for banking. UBA also pointed customers towards other digital banking channels. “You may choose to discontinue use of the USSD channel. Other digital banking options and our internet banking platform remain available for your convenience,” UBA stated, offering alternatives.
A Bid to Settle a Billion-Naira Feud?
This new directive on USSD charges from the NCC isn’t just a random policy change. It appears to be a strategic move to resolve a long-simmering, multi-billion naira debt dispute between Nigeria’s Deposit Money Banks and Mobile Network Operators over payments for USSD services. This feud, reportedly involving a staggering ₦250 billion debt, had previously pushed telcos to the brink of withdrawing USSD services entirely. Earlier in January, the NCC had even issued a warning about a potential suspension of USSD services and ordered the disconnection of USSD codes assigned to nine banks.
There has been some movement on the debt, with MTN later confirming it received ₦32 billion out of the ₦72 billion it was owed. The NCC’s new airtime-billing directive is largely seen as an attempt to prevent future service disruptions and ensure all parties are accountable for USSD payment settlements.
By Kayode Ojo
