NCC Directs Banks To Deduct USSD Transaction Fees From Users’ Airtime

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has ordered deposit money banks (DMBs) to cease taking money out of their customers’ accounts for unstructured supplementary service data (USSD) transactions.

Customers received an email from United Bank for Africa (UBA) on Tuesday informing them that the charges will now be subtracted from their mobile airtime.

The directive goes into force today, June 3, according to the UBA.

The statement reads, “In line with the directive of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), please be informed that effective June 3, 2025, charges for USSD banking services will no longer be deducted from your bank account.

“Going forward, these charges will be deducted directly from your mobile airtime balance in accordance with the NCC’s End-User Billing model.

“Under this new billing structure, each USSD session will attract a charge of ₦6.98 per 120 seconds, which will be billed by your mobile network operator.

“You will receive a consent prompt at the start of each session, and airtime will only be deducted upon your confirmation and availability of the bank to fulfil this service.

“If you do not wish to continue using USSD banking under this new model, you may choose to discontinue use of the USSD channel.”

According to the bank, each USSD session will attract a charge of ₦6.98 per 120 seconds. Customers will receive a consent prompt at the beginning of each session, and airtime will only be deducted upon confirmation and provided the bank is available to deliver the requested service.

UBA further advised customers who may not be comfortable with the new billing system to discontinue the use of the USSD channel. The bank encouraged users to explore alternative digital platforms such as its mobile banking app and internet banking for a more seamless experience.

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