Telecommunications companies have started charging customers directly for USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) services from Wednesday, June 18, 2025. This change follows a new directive from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) aimed at making USSD billing more transparent and efficient.
Under the new End-User Billing (EUB) model, mobile subscribers will now pay for USSD sessions through deductions from their airtime at a rate of ₦6.98 for every 120 seconds of use. This replaces the previous system where telecom operators billed banks for USSD services, often leading to disputes and service disruptions.
The Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) explained that this move will create a more sustainable and customer-friendly framework, especially as Nigeria’s digital financial services continue to grow rapidly. Customers will receive a prompt to opt in before charges are applied, ensuring they have control over each session. Importantly, only successful USSD transactions will be billed, reducing the risk of double charges.
“This transition ensures a more accountable and efficient system,” said ALTON Chairman Engr. Gbenga Adebayo. “It also eliminates the frequent disputes between banks and telecom operators that have sometimes disrupted services for millions of users.”
Banks are required to notify their customers about the change and educate them on how the new charges will work. For any issues with USSD access, customers should contact their mobile network providers, while transaction errors should be directed to their banks. Both sectors are committed to providing responsive customer support during this transition.
Despite the new charges, alternative digital banking channels such as mobile apps, internet banking, and ATMs remain fully operational for users seeking other options.
This change comes after years of tension between banks and telecom companies over unpaid USSD debts, which reportedly reached N250 billion. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and NCC have been working together to resolve these issues, with the new billing model marking a key milestone.
As USSD remains a vital tool for financial inclusion, especially for underserved and low-income Nigerians, ALTON has pledged to continue collaborating with regulators and financial institutions to ensure the benefits of this transition reach all users.
For millions of Nigerians, this new billing system promises clearer charges, fewer service interruptions, and greater control over their mobile financial transactions.
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