NCC Directs Banks to Deduct USSD Transaction Fees from Users’ Mobile Airtime starting from June 3

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a directive requiring deposit money banks (DMBs) to deduct charges for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) transactions directly from users’ mobile airtime instead of their bank accounts. This new billing structure, effective June 3, 2025, aligns with the NCC’s End-User Billing (EUB) model.

Under the revised framework, each USSD session will attract a charge of ₦6.98 per 120 seconds, which will be billed by the user’s mobile network operator. Customers will receive a consent prompt at the start of each session, ensuring transparency and user control over deductions.

This directive follows ongoing efforts to resolve the long-standing dispute between mobile network operators (MNOs) and banks over unpaid USSD debts, which had reached ₦250 billion by the end of 2024. The NCC and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) previously intervened to facilitate a resolution, leading to this new billing approach.

Customers who prefer alternative banking methods can continue using mobile apps, internet banking, and ATMs for transactions. Banks have assured users that these digital platforms remain available for seamless financial services