FG directs MTN to suspend proposed USSD charge

The Federal Ministry of Communications has directed Telecom giant, MTN Nigeria to suspend the proposed N4 charge per 20 seconds on USSD access to banking services from the 21st of October 2019.

In a statement on Sunday, the Ministry denied knowledge of the details of proposed charge, and thus asked that it be suspended pending when it is availed of the details.

“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 statement read.

“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.”