Uproar as Banks introduce charges on use of USSD code

Following the decision of Banks to introduce charges on the use of USSD code for banking services, Nigerians have expressed disappointment at the development, describing it as too much burden for the people to bear and may further worsen the financial inclusion state of the Nigerian people.

According to the text message received by several bank users today, starting from tomorrow, October 21, every usage of USSD code for banking services now attracts N4 per 20 seconds.

The messages received across board by MTN users read: “Yello, as requested by your bank, from Oct 21, we will start charging you directly for USSD access to banking services. Please contact your bank for more info.

“Yello, Please note that from Oct 21, we will charge N4 per 20 seconds for USSD access to banking services. Thank you“

USSD code is a Global System for Mobile (GSM) communication technology that is used to send text between a mobile phone and an application program in the network.

The USSD is simply a code that you enter on your phone to enable you enjoy certain banking services. These are services that could have otherwise taken you to the banking hall, the ATM, or an Internet-connected desktop, laptop, iPad or smartphone for Internet banking.

Basically, by simply entering a USSD code (designated by your bank) on your mobile that is not even connected to the Internet, you can enjoy several banking services that otherwise may have necessitated you going to the banking hall, an ATM or an Internet-connected computer.

With the new charge imposed, it means the service is no longer free and a user will now pay N4 per 20 seconds used.

Reacting to the new charges, Alex Oluwatobi, described the new charges as a burden on Nigerians considering other charges imposed on Nigerians in recent times.

According to Chika Nelson, the charges won’t stop until Nigerians come together and say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

Meanwhile, the ministry of communication has issued a counter statement to dispel the purported new policy.

In a statement released by the ministry, the Minister of Communication, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, stated that the ministry is not aware of such development and thereby directed the Nigerian Communication Commission to ensure the operator suspends such plans until the ministry properly briefed.