Nigerian Banks Now Deduct USSD Charges from Airtime—What You Need to Know

A Major Shift in Banking Transactions

Starting June 3, 2025, Nigerian banks will no longer deduct USSD transaction charges from customers’ bank accounts. Instead, these fees will be directly deducted from mobile airtime, following a directive from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)2.

How the New Billing System Works

🔹 Each USSD session will cost ₦6.98 per 120 seconds, billed by the customer’s mobile network operator.

🔹 Customers will receive a consent prompt before airtime is deducted, ensuring transparency.

🔹 If users prefer, they can opt out of USSD banking and use alternative channels like mobile apps, ATMs, or internet banking.

Why the Change?

📌 The move aims to resolve a long-standing dispute between banks and telecom operators over unpaid USSD debts.

📌 Telcos had threatened to withdraw USSD services due to banks failing to remit payments, leading to regulatory intervention.

📌 In December 2024, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and NCC directed banks and telcos to settle a ₦250 billion USSD debt.

What’s Next for Customers?

⚖️ Will this change make USSD banking more expensive for users?

⚖️ How will banks ensure seamless transactions under the new model?

⚖️ Will more Nigerians shift to mobile apps and internet banking instead?

💬 What do you think about this new policy?

Will it affect your banking habits? Drop your thoughts below! 🚀