Federal Government Directs MTN To Suspend Planned N4 Charges On USSD Banking Services

Federal Government has directed telecommunications giant, MTN to suspend its planned N4 charge on customers for USSD access to banking services.

Many customers woke up over the weekend to receive about two shocking text from MTN informing them of the commencement of the new charge from October 21. The two text read:

“Yello, as requested by your bank, from Oct 21, we will start charging you directly for USSD access to banking services. Please contact your bank for more info.”

“Yello, Please note that from Oct 21, we will charge N4 per 20 seconds for USSD access to banking services. Thank you.”

Apparently, a man identified as Mustapha Hadi reached out to the Minister of Communication, Isa Ali Pantami, to inform him about the development.

Dear @DrIsaPantami , today MTN sent me a message that they will start deducting charges for mobile top-up as directed by my bank. I think this is a bit too harsh considering the many charges they are already deducting daily. Pls consider the common man and do something. Thank you

— Mustapha Hadi, GMCPN (@musteehadee) October 20, 2019

In reaction, Mr Pantami asked the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure that the operator suspends such plans until the government investigate the new charge as it is not aware of it.

Many thanks for drawing my attention to it. We have directed NCC to ask MTN to suspend the plan. We are not aware of it officially. We will investigate and make sure right thing is done. Best wishes! https://t.co/S21upgbzE1

— Isa Ali Pantami, PhD (@DrIsaPantami) October 20, 2019