Nigeria’s major telecom operators—MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9Mobile—have issued a stern warning to banks over what they describe as deliberate misinformation regarding the billing structure for USSD banking services.
Under the umbrella of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the telcos have threatened to withdraw support for USSD services if the ongoing misinformation and unsettled debts are not addressed.
The tension escalated after several banks sent messages to customers stating that, beginning June 3, 2025, USSD charges would now be deducted directly from mobile airtime instead of bank accounts—purportedly based on a directive from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
However, ALTON Chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, described this claim as false and misleading, stressing that there was no directive from the NCC. Instead, he clarified that the current agreement is a joint regulatory framework between the NCC and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), contingent on banks clearing their outstanding USSD debts by June 2, 2025.
“If the banks finally cleared all USSD debts owed to the telcos by June 2, they could migrate to the end-user billing model—but only through a transparent and agreed process, which ensures customers are not double-charged,” Adebayo explained.
He further disclosed that many banks have yet to settle their debts, rendering any shift to airtime billing premature and invalid.
“If this misinformation continues, and the banks insist on distorting facts to protect their interests, we may withdraw network support for USSD entirely. It is not mandatory for telecom operators to provide this service,” Adebayo warned.
The disagreement has sparked renewed concerns over customer transparency, debt obligations, and the sustainability of mobile banking services, which millions of Nigerians rely on daily.
•Telcos say banks misrepresented billing shift as NCC directive.
•Migration to airtime billing is conditional on banks settling USSD debts.
•Telcos may suspend USSD support if the agreement is breached.
•Millions of mobile banking users may be affected if the standoff escalates.
