Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and Telecommunication operators (Telcos) in Nigeria have introduced charges on the use of USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) code for banking services.
According to the text message received by several bank users today, starting from tomorrow, October 21, every usage of USSD code for banking services now attracts N4 per 20 seconds.
The messages received across board by MTN users 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“
How this affects you: USSD code is a Global System for Mobile (GSM) communication technology that is used to send text between a mobile phone and an application program in the network.
- The USSD is simply a code that you enter on your phone to enable you enjoy certain banking services. These are services that could have otherwise taken you to the banking hall, the ATM, or an Internet-connected desktop, laptop, iPad or smartphone for Internet banking.
- Basically, by simply entering a USSD code (designated by your bank) on your mobile that is not even connected to the Internet, you can enjoy several banking services that otherwise may have necessitated you going to the banking hall, an ATM or an Internet-connected computer.
- With the new charge imposed, it means the service is no longer free and a user will now pay N4 per 20 seconds used.
- Meanwhile, users who may want to avoid this charge will need to download the banks’ application for transaction.
But Nigerians are not having it. Following the announcement, Nigerians have expressed disappointment at the development, describing it as too much burden for the people to bear and may further worsen the financial inclusion state of the Nigerian people.
According to a twitter user, Alex Oluwatobi, this is not democracy but “Exploitocracy”.
1. VAT on an increase.
2. Toll gate is coming back.
3. Charges on cash deposit & withdrawal has been implemented.
5. N50 stamp duty on PoS transaction over 1k.
6. Payment for the renewal of National ID card.
7. USSD charge for banking services.Sighs, it is well. 🚶♂️ pic.twitter.com/7JZxbQ2Qhg
— Alex Oluwatobi (@alexlobaloba) October 20, 2019
Another twitter user lamented that all the polices from VAT increase, charges on deposit and withdrawals, payment on renewal of National ID and others come so quickly.
And all these charges were implemented so quickly!
But minimum wage agreed since how many months is yet to be implemented across all levels https://t.co/mxB2nqROkO— Annieeeeeeeee (@aneetah_Efemena) October 20, 2019
Chika Nelson disappointingly disclosed that Charges won’t Stop until Nigerians come together& say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
NIGERIA
– USSD charges don dey
– VAT has increased
– National ID card renewal is N3000
– National ID replacement is N5000.
– Withdrawal Charges
– Deposit ChargesThe Charges won't Stop until we come together& say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
Watch out for the next Charge
It WON'T Stop.
— VIVID TECH ONLINE STORE (@vivid_gadget) October 20, 2019
Also, Mrs Aijay stated that while the communication tax is still in the pipeline, another charges on struggling citizens is here.
They are still talking about communication tax….all these taxes from citizens who are struggling under the wings of poor economy. Na wa ooo
— Ijeoma (@Mrsaijay) October 20, 2019
Meanwhile, another twitter user opined that it is the high time every bank user now downloaded application for transactions against the use of USSD code.
I never for once liked to use any bank's USSD code.
Now I'm seeing network provider's saying they will charge for every USSD bank usage.
They are all out to drain from the little we don't even have.
Please if you use an internet enabled device, get your bank app. ✌— Da Mayor Designs 🎨💻 (@iam_damayor) October 20, 2019
A counter move: As the uproar continues, the ministry of communication has issued a counter statement to dispel the purported new policy. In a statement released by the ministry, the Minister of Communication, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, stated that the ministry is not aware of such development and thereby directed the Nigerian Communication Commission to ensure the operator suspends such plans until the ministry properly briefed.
PRESS STATEMENT
DISCONTINUATION OF ALLEGED USSD SERVICE CHARGE BY MTN NIGERIA@DrIsaPantami#FMoCtoday#FMoC19#FMoCStatement#USSD pic.twitter.com/4NH0w2cJVw
— Fed. Min. of Comms, Innovation & Digital Economy (@FMCIDENigeria) October 20, 2019
NIGERIA as a country is a disgrace to all African nation’s. We have the economy pblms that needs the intervention of the Almighty Allah o Savage. We are all in trouble..