NIGERIANS REJECT USSD AIRTIME CHARGES — CALL ON CBN, NCC, AND PRESIDENT TINUBU TO REVERSE POLICY

By Ndon-Eyo2 Reporter Ndon-Eyo II Etinan.

 


🚨 NIGERIANS REJECT USSD AIRTIME CHARGES — CALL ON CBN, NCC, AND PRESIDENT TINUBU TO REVERSE POLICY

Date: June 27, 2025

For Immediate Release

Lagos, Nigeria — A wave of public concern has erupted following a recent directive that mandates all USSD (e.g., *945#) banking charges be deducted from mobile airtime, not from users' bank accounts. This policy, jointly implemented by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), takes effect June 27, 2025, and has been described as anti-poor, regressive, and contradictory to Nigeria’s cashless policy goals.

The new policy means that Nigerians without airtime—regardless of how much money they have in their bank accounts—cannot access essential banking services like transferring money, checking balances, or recharging phones. This change is a direct blow to the country’s financial inclusion agenda, particularly affecting rural dwellers, the elderly, and low-income citizens.

🎙️ Statement from Concerned Citizen:

“This is not just a policy flaw—it’s a social injustice. In a country where many live on daily income, you now require airtime to access your own money. What happens during emergencies? What happens to the poor, the sick, and the stranded? This is not what a cashless economy should look like,”

— Imeh Umoh, public affairs analyst and digital rights advocate.

❌ Key Issues Highlighted:

  • Excludes millions who depend solely on USSD due to lack of smartphones or internet.
  • Contradicts the national drive for a cashless economy.
  • Revives a 2021 policy previously rejected by Nigerians.
  • Risks lives during emergencies by locking out users without airtime.

📝 Citizens Demand the Following:

  1. Immediate suspension of the airtime-based USSD charge directive.
  2. A fair cost-sharing model between telecoms and banks.
  3. Free USSD access for emergencies and low-balance customers.
  4. Transparent communication from CBN and NCC.

📣 Call to Action:

Nigerians are urged to speak up, contact their representatives, and demand accountability using these hashtags:

  • #StopUSSDExploitation
  • #CashlessButClueless
  • #CBNListens
  • #DigitalInclusionNow

Closing:

This policy must not stand. True digital progress must include all Nigerians, not just those with smartphones and airtime. We call on the CBN Governor, NCC leadership, National Assembly, Public Complaints Commission, and President Bola Tinubu to act swiftly and reverse this harmful directive.

Contact:
Imeh Umoh
ndoneyo2.blogspot.com

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