Starting June 18, 2025, mobile users in Nigeria will begin paying directly for USSD services through their airtime. This follows a new directive from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and was announced by the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON).
The change marks a shift to the End-User Billing (EUB) model. It overrides earlier bank notifications that claimed deductions would begin on June 3.
The cost will be N6.98 per 120 seconds, charged directly from users’ airtime. Customers will first receive a prompt to opt in, and only successful sessions will be billed.
ALTON said the goal is to create a “more sustainable, transparent, and customer-friendly framework for delivering USSD services.”
“With this transition, mobile network operators will now charge customers directly, ensuring a more accountable and efficient system,” said ALTON Chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo.
The new billing model also aims to fix long-standing issues between banks and telcos over unpaid USSD charges. For years, banks deducted the fees but failed to pay telecom operators, leading to disputes and service disruptions.
In December 2024, the CBN and NCC ordered both sides to resolve a N250 billion USSD debt. In January 2025, the NCC even instructed telcos to disconnect codes for nine banks due to unpaid bills.
To support the switch, ALTON said banks must meet certain requirements. These include early customer notifications and proper user education.
ALTON also shared clear support guidelines:
- Customers should contact their mobile network provider for USSD access issues.
- For transaction errors, users should reach out to their banks.
- Both parties must offer responsive customer service.
“USSD remains critical in deepening financial inclusion across Nigeria, especially for underserved and low-income populations. ALTON is committed to working with regulators and financial institutions to ensure this transition benefits all users,” the association added.
Mobile apps, ATMs, and internet banking channels remain available and unaffected.
