NCC moves USSD charges to airtime 

The USSD transaction charges will no longer be deducted from customers’ bank accounts. Instead, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed that the charges be taken from users’ mobile airtime starting from June 3, 2025.

This change was confirmed in an email sent by United Bank for Africa (UBA) to its customers. The new model, known as the End-User Billing (EUB) system, means that each USSD session will now cost ₦6.98 per 120 seconds, billed by your mobile network operator.

Users will receive a consent prompt before each transaction. Airtime will only be deducted if the customer agrees and if the bank is available to complete the service.

UBA added that customers who prefer not to use USSD under the new billing system can opt out and continue with alternative digital channels like mobile apps and internet banking.

This development comes amid efforts by the NCC and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to resolve the long-running dispute between telecom companies and banks over unpaid USSD service fees, reportedly totaling over ₦250 billion.

In early 2025, NCC had threatened to suspend USSD services for defaulting banks. By February, MTN confirmed receiving ₦32 billion of the ₦72 billion owed by banks.