FG Suspends Newly Introduced USSD Charges By MTN, Others

The Federal Government has directed the immediate suspension of the newly introduced USSD access to banking services charges by telecommunications companies.

The directives came through the Minister of Communications Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami who asked the sector regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to enforced the suspension notice.

“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.

“The office of the Honourable Minister of Communications Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami FNCS, FBCS, FIIM is unaware of this development and has hereby directed the sector regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) ensures the operator suspends such plans until the Honourable Minister is fully and properly briefed, Uwa Suleiman (Mrs)
Spokesperson to the Honourable Minister said in a statement on Sunday.