Nigerians have reacted to the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) directive to Deposit Money Banks to deduct charges for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) transactions from users’ mobile airtime.
Speaking with The Nigerian Economy on Wednesday, Michael Airaoje, a lawyer, said the NCC directive could cause disastrous disappointment for a user who has insufficient airtime to perform a transaction in the case of an emergency.
He said: “As a Nigerian, I believe the NNC’s directive to banks to deduct charges for USSD transactions from users’ mobile airtime could someone in a fix during an emergency.
“I foresee a potential issue: what happens when a customer has insufficient airtime to cover transaction charges? Would this mean being stranded and unable to perform essential transactions like bill payments, deposits, withdrawals, or balance checks? This could lead to unnecessary delays in business or even a case of payment for hospital emergencies for customers residing in areas where printed recharge cards aren’t available and the only means is to recharge via USSD.”
He urged the NCC to allow the current charging system to remain as it is safer and more convenient.
“I humbly advise that the existing charging routine be retained, as it seems more favorable than the proposed new system.”
Another concerned citizen, Oluwaseun Taiwo, a teacher, said “It’s wrong, first off, there are so many bank deductions attributed to the Federal Government in a country where nothing is working well for the common man. The new billing system for USSD services will put many people in a disadvantageous position. Therefore, the NCC new directive is not in our favour and should be reversed.”
Meanwhile, the United Bank of Africa (UBA) yesterday informed its customers about the New NCC-Mandated USSD Billing Process through email
It said: Dear Valued Customer. In line with the directive of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), please be informed that effective June 3, 2025, 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 by the NCC’s End-User Billing (EUB) model.
“Under this new billing structure, each USSD session will attract a charge of ₦6.98 per 120 seconds, which will be billed by your mobile network operator. You will receive a consent prompt at the start of each session, and airtime will only be deducted upon your confirmation and availability of the bank to fulfil this service.
“If you do not wish to continue using USSD banking under this new model, you may choose to discontinue use of the USSD channel. Alternative digital banking options, such as our mobile app and Internet banking platform, remain available for your convenience.”
Also reacting to the development, a socio-economic analyst, Akinnugba Ayomide said a prior survey should have been carried out by the NCC to ascertain if it will be good to users before changing the billing system.
A private sector worker who identified as Jessie also said: “Deducting from airtime, which is mostly for calls and sms, will cause a clog in the wheel when you just need that airtime balance during an emergency. I still need to call or text the person on the other end to confirm the transfer.
“Yes, we make both payments, but it is more convenient and safer when the charge is applied on our bank accoujt balance, instead of our airtime balance. Bank transfer charges should be deducted based on where they originated from – The Bank”.