Minister orders MTN, others to stop USSD charges

The Ministry of Communications has ordered MTN and all other telecoms organisation to immediately stop the charges on USSD banking transaction that is to kick off on 21 October.

In a statement signed by the ministry spokesperson, Mrs Uwa Suleiman, titled, “Discontinuation of alleged USSD service charge by MTN Nigeria” the Minister said he was unaware of the new charges.

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 (4:00) 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 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.