Parties Agree to Use Airtime Billing to Resolve USSD Service Debt

New Billing Reform Gives Nigerian Telcos Direct Access to USSD Revenue onlyfans reddit bigbellybabe31

In a major regulatory shake-up, telecommunications operators in Nigeria now have the authority to deduct Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) service fees directly from subscribers’ airtime, following the implementation of a new billing framework approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The reform, known as the End-User Billing (EUB) Model marks the end of an era in which banks served as middlemen in the payment process for USSD transactions. Under the previous arrangement, banks were responsible for collecting fees on behalf of telecom companies. However, operators repeatedly raised concerns over non-remittance, with industry estimates showing that banks had consumed over ₦200 billion worth of USSD services by the end of 2024 without settling their obligations.

With the new system now active, subscribers will be charged ₦6.98 per USSD session (up to 120 seconds) only after receiving a prompt and giving consent. This shift is designed to enhance transparency and ensure that telecom providers such as MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobiler eceive direct compensation for services rendered.

“This change has been a long time coming,” said Adeolu Ogunbanjo, President of the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS). “Previously, banks deducted charges but failed to remit them. The new model eliminates that confusion and creates a fairer, more transparent system.”

The Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), which represents the interests of telcos, also welcomed the reform. ALTON Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, described it as a key milestone in the evolution of Nigeria’s digital financial ecosystem, particularly for users in rural areas who rely heavily on USSD for financial transactions due to limited access to smartphones or the internet.

Adebayo emphasized that the rollout of the EUB model will not affect USSD codes or services. “The existing transaction channels remain intact,” he said. “What’s different now is the accountability and control.”

To facilitate a smooth transition, some banks such as GTBank, UBA, and FCMB—have already begun notifying customers that USSD charges will now be deducted directly from their airtime balances.

Industry analysts suggest that this reform not only signals a win for telecom operators but also strengthens the digital finance infrastructure across Nigeria. More importantly, it aims to enhance user trust and encourage further investment in service quality.

As the telecoms reclaim control over USSD revenue, stakeholders hope this reform will spark improved service delivery and expand access to digital financial tools for millions of Nigerians, especially those in underserved communities.