The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has enforced a new billing rule requiring banks to deduct the ₦6.98 USSD fee from customers’ airtime balance instead of their bank accounts.
This policy, which took effect on June 18, 2025, affects all banks using USSD services. The shift is part of a directive aimed at resolving lingering disputes over ₦250 billion in unpaid telecom charges between banks and network providers.
Public reactions have been mixed. Some users are welcoming the change, arguing that banks have been overcharging customers, while others fear network failures might lead to multiple deductions per transaction attempt.
Critics have raised concerns about situations where users might not have airtime but need to complete urgent transactions via USSD. Many have called for an option to select whether deductions come from airtime or bank balance.