Beginning today, June 18, 2025, bank users in Nigeria will start incurring charges for USSD-based financial transactions directly from their mobile airtime balance.
This change was officially communicated through a circular issued by the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), which serves as the representative body for telecom providers in the country.
According to ALTON, the decision aligns with the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) Determination of USSD Pricing and Services and marks a shift in Nigeria’s digital financial landscape.
The new approach to USSD billing was crafted in coordination with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other vital industry players. It is aimed at fostering a system that is not only transparent and sustainable but also more user-friendly.
Years of Tension Resolved
Prior to this development, banks had been notifying their customers about a regulatory directive from the NCC, stating that, effective June 3, 2025, USSD charges would be deducted from subscribers’ airtime rather than their bank accounts. This move follows a longstanding dispute involving a N250 billion debt over USSD service charges owed by banks to telecom providers.
By the close of 2024, the CBN and NCC stepped in to ensure both sectors resolved the impasse. With the issue now settled, telecom companies will bypass the banks by billing customers directly through airtime, ensuring timely payment and avoiding debt build-up.
Direct Airtime Deductions Begin
With the implementation of the revised model, users will now pay **N6.98 per 120 seconds** of USSD usage, and the fee will be automatically deducted from their airtime, not their bank account.
“To enjoy the service, customers will receive a prompt to opt in and approve the charge before any deduction is made, and there will be no double billing as billing will only occur for successful sessions via airtime deductions,” ALTON said.
Despite the change in payment method, users can continue to access their preferred bank’s USSD codes as usual. The functionality of USSD services remains unchanged, provided there’s sufficient airtime available.
For Assistance and Complaints
ALTON also clarified the roles of banks and telcos under the new arrangement. Customers facing access issues with USSD services are to reach out to their telecom providers, while transaction-related queries, such as failed transfers or service errors, should be directed to their banks.
This update signals a significant transition in the way financial services are accessed through mobile technology in Nigeria, further bridging the gap between telecom infrastructure and digital banking.
