The Federal government has directed the immediate suspension of a planned N4:00 charge per 20 seconds on USSD access to banking services, from the 21st of October 2019.
Accordingly, the Minister of Communications, Isa Pantami, has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to ensure compliance by mobile network operators in the country.
Uwa Suleiman, spokesperson for Pantami, who conveyed the directive, said the minister was unaware of the planned tariff.
READ ALSO: Slow smartphone penetration sees USSD’s lead of payment market in Nigeria unfazed
“The attention of the Federal Ministry of communications has been drawn to the viral text message allegedly sent by the Mobile network Operator MTN Nigeria and other mobile Operators, notifying subscribers of a four naira (N4:00) charge per 20 seconds on USSD access to banking services from the 21st of October 2019”, Suleiman said.
“The office of the Honourable Minister of communications is unaware of this development and has hereby directed the sector regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure the operator suspends such plans until the honourable Minister is fully and properly briefed,” she added.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
