Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria, Gbenga Adebayo, has revealed that network operators will detach banks from the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data code.
The banks have failed to remit commission from the costs of the USSD utilized by bank account holders for electronic transactions, according to ALTON, the umbrella organization for MTN Nigeria, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile, among others.
As of November 2022, the debt has increased from N32 billion in 2019 to N80 billion. The network providers have kept threatening to disconnect due to the mounting debt.
As of March 16, 2021, the USSD charge has increased to N6.98 per transaction, allowing both parties to partake in the proceeds. However, as of September, the banks had refused to send the telcos their commission.
According to The PUNCH, Adebayo said, ““We have sought regulatory approval to pursue partial removal. We would start disconnecting those who owe us in batches, a highest debtor scenario. We don’t know as regards the timing because we are required to get approval before acting. But we would certainly commence the process once it is approved. The amount is over N80bn, it is not yet up to N90bn, but it is up to that.”
