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Opinion

CBN ,NCC and DMBs on the N250b USSD debts

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By Sonny Aragba-Akpore

After over five years of bickerings on the debts owed by Money Deposit Banks(DMBs) for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) platforms,respite is underway.

USSD is the platform through which bank customers transfer money digitally on their phones without resorting to the internet.

USSD banking is an SMS-based mobile banking service, where a USSD shortcode is used to access financial services like transfers, bill payments, airtime among others.
Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) allows users without a smartphone or data/internet connection to use mobile banking through codes specific to each bank.

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There is however a 150.18 percent decline in USSD usage for financial transactions as users move to Internet banking.

According to the CBN, the total transaction value with USSD was N2.19 trillion between January and June 2024, a decline of 54.75 percent from N4.84 trillion in the same period of 2023.

The volume of transactions fell by 150.18 percent to 252.06 million from 630.6 million.

In 2021 when GSM services turned 20 in Nigeria the then Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr Ebenezer Onyeagwu, said, “The introduction of USSD changed everything. Without telecoms infrastructure, there is no USSD code.”

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But this sentiment is not shared by many bank executives including Segun Agbaje, CEO of GTCO, who recently stated, “If you want to charge N20 for the service, go ahead. But collect it yourself. Don’t come to us.”

According to industry sources, the non-payment of this debt, which telcos peg at N250 billion, has led to an investment slowdown in USSD infrastructure.

The December 20,2024 joint memo by CBN and NCC seeks to clean up the protracted USSD mess and enforce payment timelines.

> While the banks own the accounts,the Mobile Network Operators (MNOS) own the networks.

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> But there have been disagreements on payment terms that have plagued the banking and telecommunications sectors so much that the Central Bank (CBN) and the Nigerian Communications Commission ( NCC) had to intervene several times in the past to see how the matter could be resolved.

> All that failed until December 20,2024 when a circular was endorsed by both regulators on the way forward.

The Circular signed by Ag Director, Banking Payments System Department at CBN ,Oladimeji Yisa Taiwo and Chizua Whyte,Head,Legal and Regulatory Services at the NCC stated that:

> the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)
> are deeply concerned that the protracted dispute between Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and
> Mobile Network Operators (MNO) over the usage of the MNOs USSD platform for banking
> services has remained unresolved despite best efforts.

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> “In view of the foregoing, the CBN and the NCC hereby direct DMBs and MNOs as follows:
> . That sixty per cent 60% of all pre-API invoices must be paid as full and final settlement
> of such invoices. In this regard, payment plans (lump sum or installments) must be
> agreed between a concerned DMB and MNO by January 2, 2025. For the avoidance
> of doubt, where installmental payment is proposed by a DMB, such proposal must be
> based on equal monthly instalments, and payment must be completed by July 2, 2025
> at the latest. That in furtherance of earlier resolutions by the CBN and the NCC, M B s must pay
> eighty-five per cent (85%) of all outstanding invoices issued after the implementation
> of Application Programming Interfaces (API) (i.e. February 2022) between the
> concerned DMB and MNO (i.e. post-API debts) by December 31, 2024. Similarly,
> eighty-five per cent (85%) of all future invoices must be liquidated within one month
> of service of the invoice.

> .That subject to satisfactory implementation of the directives in Paragraphs 1 and 2
> above and in furtherance of the understanding between DMBs and MNOs on
> transition to End-User Billing (EUB), the NCC will activate the necessary regulatory
> processes to revert to EUB. Only MNOs and DMBs in full compliance with
> Paragraphs 1 and 2 above will be allowed to transition to EUB.

The NCC and the CBN
> will provide guidance on public enlightenment measures in respect of the transition in
> due course.

> .That pending completion of the transitional arrangements in Paragraph 3 above,
> MNOs are to adopt the “10-seconds rule” for USSD invoicing. This means that any
> USSD session lasting less than ten seconds is not billable.

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> .DMBs on prepaid billing would also have the opportunity to migrate to EUB subject
> to conclusion of the regulatory processes stated in Paragraph 3 above.
> That DMBs and MNOs should immediately discontinue any legal proceedings on the subject matter forthwith.

The circular advised that “DMBs and MNOs should immediately discontinue any litigation by them or on
> their behalf on the matter.DMBs and MNOs are directed to ensure full implementation of the Directives
> contained in this Joint Circular and to note that non-compliance will attract
> necessary sanctions within the respective regulatory powers of the CBN and the NCC”.
Gbenga Adebayo,an Engineer and Chairman of Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) confirmed the development saying:
“The dispute over Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) charges between Nigerian banks and telecommunications companies (telcos) has been ongoing since 2019. The disagreement centers on who should bear the costs associated with USSD services used for financial transactions. “

“In October 2019, the issue became public when banks refused to pay for USSD services utilized by their customers, proposing instead that telcos adopt end-user billing. Telcos disagreed, citing potential double billing and regulatory restrictions.

By August 2020, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reported that banks owed telcos approximately ₦17 billion in USSD charges. “

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Despite regulatory interventions, the debt continued to accumulate, reaching about ₦42 billion by 2020 and further increasing in subsequent years. “
“As of December 2024, the outstanding USSD debt is estimated at ₦250 billion.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the NCC have issued directives for banks and telcos to settle this debt, with specific payment plans and deadlines extending into 2025. “

He explained in summary, that the USSD debt between Nigerian banks and telcos has been outstanding for over five years, originating in 2019 and persisting through to the present day sadly “.

On Friday December 27,2024 the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Ltd. from MTN Nigeria network due to the non-settlement of interconnect charges.
The commission made this known in a public notice signed by Reuben Muoka, the Public Affairs Director at NCC,”The Exchange Telecommunications is a local and international interconnect carrier.
The Nigerian Communications Commission hereby notifies the public that approval has been granted for the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Ltd.
(Exchange) from MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd. (MTN) as a result of non-settlement of interconnect charges,” NCC said.

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The commission noted that the Exchange was notified of the application and was given opportunity to comment and state its case.

It said that the commission, having examined the application and circumstances surrounding the indebtedness, determined that the Exchange does not have sufficient reason for non-payment of the interconnect charges.

NCC said the disconnection of the Exchange Telecommunications to MTN was in accordance with Section 100 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 and the Guidelines on Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators, 2012.
“At the expiration of five days from the date of this notice, MTN will discontinue passing voice and data traffic through Exchange and will, thereafter, utilise alternative channels in interconnecting with other network service
providers.

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Opinion

Why Women Cheat, By Oreva Godwin

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Research has shown that infidelity gaps between women and men has closed up considerably. Cheating in marriage by both gender has become almost normal, because lots of women boldly come out now to admit to their friends that they cheat on their husbands.

The usual reason coined for infidelity by women includes, absence of love, lack of attention from the man, no good sex, lack of money, husbands are male chauvinist, cowards ,or that they caught their husbands in homosexual acts, etc.

Most writers have drawn conclusions, that women cheat when they are unhappy in their marriages, that men push their wives to the arms of other men. But are men really to be blamed for a cheating wife? Yes and no. We are not debunking the fact that most men lack the ethics of a husband and sometimes leave their wives to play the role of a single parent, or even make their wives feel unloved.

But in today’s discourse, we shall x-ray the dark sides of a lot of women that people fail to realise exists. Most women have very high libido; their sex drive is usually high. They have as much sex drive like most men and in that state of craving, they can sleep with any man that catches their fancy.

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Some women love varieties, just as men also love varieties. Some women easily get bored staying long with one man. They long for different sex experiences, with some bit of craziness. No matter how good a man is to them, they will appreciate, but still go out to get their satisfaction.

And hey, these women are not possessed. It’s like saying a man that sleeps with different women is possessed. Their body function like that of men and the high time we admit that it’s real for such ladies, the better for us all.

I have read articles suggesting that women won’t’ cheat when they are in love. It’s pretty funny for anyone to imagine such fallacies, I must say. So funny indeed, how people think they know women enough to write about them. Some women even use themselves as grounds to conclude that all women function alike

don’t use my personal experiences to draw up conclusions about why women behave in a particular way. Instead , I ask questions, engage people in discussions, allow them the freedom to express their minds without being judgemental. Don’t forget our slogan: “We listen, we don’t judge”. I’m an exposed mind and respect people’s choices in life.

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A woman can love you and still cheat on you. Some women can simply cheat because they consider the man too conventional. As a man, you may be huge down there, know how to satisfy her, but refuse to give her a head. Yes, a woman can cheat on you just beause of a head. To some women that’s the spice of sex. They love you, but can’t deprive themselves of what they enjoy receiving, all because you are too conventional to experiment

Some women also cheat because they did not marry their heartthrob. They married who was ready, Haven’t you seen lots of women cheating on their partners with their ex?. That mindset of marrying who is ready, even when the man is not their spec or someone they love, has led lots of women to cheat.

Research has shown that most first born children, are not the biological children of their fathers. Some women sleep with their ex-lovers or boyfriends few days to their marriage, resulting in pregnancies that are then pinned on their unsuspecting husbands.

The rate at which some married men enjoy sleeping with married women is another factor to consider as to why women cheat. This trend really amazes me. These are top politicians, men of high calibre who cannot do without sleeping with married women. These men don’t mind using money to entice the women.

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It is said that sex with married women pays far better than sex with single ladies. That is the men are willing to pay huge amount of money just to lay with married women. They may even award them huge contracts, connections and appointments. Truth is, the rate at which married women have become sex escorts is alarming. There are reports that,married sex escorts dominate the sex escort market, thereby competing with single ladies in the business.

There are women who cheat as a form of payback. I know a woman who caught her husband cheating, went out and cheated on her husband with a younger guy in revenge. Her husband later got to know and accused her of infidelity. The shocker was that she boldly admitted cheating on him and reason for doing so. Then she threatened the man: “Next time you cheat on me, I will cheat back”.

I know some of my dearest readers expect the man to send her back to her father’s house that very day. What some of us do not know is that not everyone has the heart for divorce and moreover, what makes you feel the next woman you will marry won’t be worse?

I know of a crazy girl who happened to be my senior in secondary school and lived on same street with me. She was known to be so promiscuous and had slept with half of the boys and teachers in our school. She dated four guys on the same street, dated two friends, and had a reputation for sleeping around. she was wild for a teenager. One-day, I over heard her telling her friends that, she couldn’t imagine herself dating only one guy. She told them outrightly that she would be too bored to cope. She told them boldly that it would take two or more men to satisfy her. She’s married now with kids. And I wonder how she is coping with her marriage.

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A lady once boldly declared that when she gets married, she will retain two guys outside her husband to be servicing her engine, especially when her husband is out of town. She told her friends that she couldn’t imagine being loyal sexually to one man.

Let’s use Delta as another case study. There are parts of the state with so called traditional means of catching a cheating wife. This tradition is common in Isoko and other parts of the state. It’s a way of protecting the men from cheating women. Many of the women,in order to avoid the evil trap, indulged in lesbianism. That way, they are able to catch some fun without repercussions.

But, there are women who are able to bypass the sacrilege. Just to sustain cheating with the opposite sex. They go as far as to mortuary homes, buy remnants of water used in washing corpses and use same to bath. It is believed that by so doing, they become dead to the gods; the gods are unable to visit the cheating women with any curses or evil.

Other women are said to have protection charms to ward off any evil that comes with sleeping around. That way they are not caught by any deity or tradition. But the question remains. If the men are horrible and you are not happy in the marriage, why go through such stress? Why not just seek divorce and be free to catch the fun you desperately want? Why do unthinkable things, just to cheat?

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Its not in my place to judge, or paint women who cheat on their husbands in a bad light or portray them as horrible people. I only set out to expose some of the dark reasons why women cheat and to let the men know that we are not as emotionally weak as they often portray most women.

It’s just sad that the society we live in favors men and not women when it relates to sexual expression. Imagine a deity invited to each family, for the sole purpose of catching a cheating wife, while the men could cheat freely. Truly, it’s a man’s world and we women are forced to live in it. This is Africa.

●First published in The Southerner of January 30, 2025

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Opinion

CBN: Navigating the process for monetary stability

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By Ibrahim Modibbo

The 2025 Monetary Policy Forum, declared open by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, reinforces the apex bank’s steadfast commitment to price stability and macro-economic reforms.

The theme: “Managing the disinflation process,” resonates with the nation’s current economic realities, where inflationary pressures persist amid global and domestic shocks. The governor’s remarks reflect a balanced mix of optimism, pragmatism, and a forward looking approach to monetary policy.

His speech emphasizes the CBN’s strategic measures in taming inflation, restoring foreign exchange stability, and implementing financial sector reforms that position Nigeria for sustainable economic growth. Cardoso framed the forum as an essential intellectual platform for examining monetary policy challenges with precision. Unlike broader economic conferences, this event fosters evidence based discussions that shape policy direction. In emphasizing the need for clear communication, he acknowledges the critical role of transparency and stakeholder engagement in building confidence in monetary policy decisions.

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This emphasis on dialogue is significant, particularly as monetary policy remains a powerful yet complex tool requiring careful calibration. A major take-away from the governor’s speech is his review of the economic landscape over the past year.

Nigeria has faced persistent inflationary pressures, driven by both structural challenges and monetary dynamics. As of December 2024, headline inflation stood at 34.80 percent, with core inflation remaining a major concern despite some moderation in food inflation.

The governor rightly points to domestic structural bottlenecks, exchange rate pass through effects, and energy price adjustments as factors exacerbating inflationary trends.
While acknowledging these supply-side constraints, he also recognizes the role of past liquidity injections in fueling demand driven inflation.

This candid assessment is crucial in understanding Nigeria’s inflationary progression, as it highlights the multifaceted nature of the challenge.

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The governor’s remarks on liquidity injections and their unintended consequences reflect an awareness of policy trade-offs. He notes that unorthodox monetary interventions, particularly in response to theCOVID-19 pandemic, led to an excess liquidity overhang that did not translate into productivity growth.

The resulting inflationary pressures and exchange rate volatility necessitated a shift towards a more disciplined and coordinated monetary policy approach. This shift is evident in the Monetary Policy Committee’s (MPC) tightening cycle, which saw the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) rise by a cumulative 875 basis points to 27.50 percent in 2024. Similarly, the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) for Other Depository Corporations (ODCs) was raised by 1,750 basis points to 50.00 percent, a bold move aimed at mopping up excess liquidity.

These decisive interventions, the governor argues, were necessary to prevent inflation from spiraling further. Counter- factual estimates suggest that without such measures, inflation could have surged to 42.81percent by the end of 2024.

This assertion stresses the importance of proactive policy responses in mitigating economic distortions.

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The commitment to tightening reflects the CBN’s resolve to anchor inflation expectations while ensuring that monetary policy remains an effective tool for macro-economic stability. Beyond inflation control, the CBN has implemented critical financial sector reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s economic resilience.

The unification of multiple exchange rate windows has improved efficiency in the foreign exchange market, leading to a notable increase in remittances through International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs).

The governor cites a79.4 percent rise in remittances to $4.18billion in the first three quarters of 2024, compared to $2.33billion in the same period of 2023.

This reform, alongside the clearance of a $7.0 billion backlog of FX commitments, has bolstered market confidence and enhanced liquidity with a rising external reserves of $40billion as of December, 2024. Another significant policy shift is the lifting of restrictions on 41items previously banned from accessing the official FX market. The reversal of this 2015 policy signals a more market-driven approach aimed at improving supply side dynamics.

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Additionally, the introduction of new minimum capital requirements for banks, effective by March 2026, is a forward thinking measure designed to strengthen the financial system’s resilience. By ensuring that banks are adequately capitalized, this policy aligns with Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a $1trillion economy, reinforcing the stability and global competitiveness of the banking sector.

The governor also showcases the launch of the Women’s Financial Inclusion Initiative (WIFI) under the National Financial Inclusion Strategy.

This initiative addresses gender disparities in financial access, empowering women through digital tools, education, and financial services. Inclusive finance remains a key pillar of sustainable economic development, and the CBN’s focus on bridging financial gaps reflects a broader commitment to equitable growth.
In a further effort to instill transparency and efficiency in the FX market, the CBN recently introduced the Nigeria Foreign Exchange Code.

This framework, built on six core principles, aims to enhance integrity, fairness, and trust within the financial ecosystem. Such measures are essential in attracting foreign investment and maintaining confidence in Nigeria’s economic reforms.

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Cardoso’s speech also contextualizes Nigeria’s disinflation efforts within the global monetary landscape.

He acknowledges emerging optimism regarding potential improvements in capital flows to emerging markets, particularly as advanced economies transition toward monetary easing. However, he cautions that Nigeria’s ability to attract these inflows hinges on investor confidence in domestic reforms.

The need to deliver positive real returns on investment accentuates the importance of maintaining macro-economic stability and ensuring that inflationary trends do not erode gains.

Looking ahead, the governor stresses that the shift from unorthodox to orthodox monetary policy is crucial for restoring confidence and strengthening policy credibility. Encouragingly, early signs of progress are evident.

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FX liquidity is improving, and the naira is gradually aligning with market fundamentals, creating a more predictable environment for economic activities. While acknowledging that challenges remain, Cardoso expresses confidence that Nigeria’s policies are setting the stage for sustainable economic stability.
The call for collaboration is another vital point in his remarks.

Managing disinflation requires coordinated efforts between monetary and fiscal authorities, alongside active engagement with the private sector and civil society. This alignment is necessary to anchor inflation expectations, maintain investor confidence, and ensure that economic policies translate into tangible benefits for Nigerians.

The governor reiterated the importance of a forward looking, adaptive, and resilient monetary policy framework. By prioritizing price stability, financial sector resilience, and macro-economic reforms, the CBN is laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth.

The 2025 Monetary Policy Forum thus serves as a fundamental platform for generating actionable insights that will shape Nigeria’s economic direction.
Essentially, Cardoso’s speech reflects a well calibrated approach to managing inflationary pressures while fostering economic resilience. His emphasis on disciplined monetary policy, financial sector reforms, and investor confidence corresponds with Nigeria’s broader economic aspirations. As the country navigates the complexities of disinflation, the CBN’s commitment to transparency, coordination, and policy credibility will be instrumental in achieving long-term stability.
Dr. Modibbo, a development communication scholar writes from Abuja

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Opinion

NCC’s 50% Telecom Tariff Hike: A Necessary Step for Industry Survival or a Burden on Nigerians?

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By Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently approved a 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs, a decision that has sparked debates across the country. While telecom operators argued that the hike is necessary for the industry’s survival amid rising costs, consumer rights groups and labor unions see it as an additional financial burden on Nigerians already struggling with inflation and economic instability.

As the new tariff policy takes effect, stakeholders remain divided over its implications. This feature examines the reasons behind the increase, its impact on consumers and the economy, and possible ways forward.

Why Did the NCC Approve the 50% Tariff Hike?

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Nigeria’s telecom industry has operated under a fixed pricing structure for over a decade, despite rising inflation, currency devaluation, and increased operational costs. Telecom operators, including MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile, have repeatedly called for a tariff review, citing the following challenges:

1. Inflation and Naira Depreciation

The cost of importing telecom infrastructure—such as network equipment, fiber optics, and software—has skyrocketed due to the fall in the value of the naira against the dollar. Many telecom components are priced in dollars, making them significantly more expensive than they were a decade ago.

2. High Operational Costs

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Telecom operators spend billions of naira on fuel and electricity to power base stations, especially in remote and underserved areas. Additionally, the insecurity in parts of the country has increased operational risks, forcing companies to spend more on security.

3. Heavy Taxation and Multiple Levies

The telecom industry is one of the most taxed sectors in Nigeria. Operators face multiple levies from federal, state, and local governments, adding to their financial strain.

To address these challenges, the NCC opted for a 50% increase, rejecting an initial 100% hike proposal from telecom operators. This compromise aims to keep the industry financially stable while minimizing the impact on consumers.

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Public Reactions: Backlash from Consumers and Labour Unions

While telecom operators welcome the tariff hike, many Nigerians see it as a harsh economic decision at a time of financial hardship. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and other advocacy groups have condemned the move, calling it “insensitive” and “unjustifiable.”

NLC President Joe Ajaero announced a nationwide protest scheduled for February 4, 2025, demanding the reversal of the tariff increase and urging the government to take action against rising living costs.

“The government should be reducing costs for Nigerians, not increasing them,” Ajaero stated. “This decision will only make life harder for the average Nigerian.”

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Many consumers share this sentiment, arguing that data, call, and SMS rates are already expensive compared to the average income level. With food prices, fuel costs, and transportation fares rising, the added burden of higher telecom bills is seen as unfair and unnecessary.

Telecom Industry’s Perspective: A Necessary Adjustment

Despite public opposition, industry experts insist that the tariff hike is necessary to sustain Nigeria’s telecom sector. The Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) supports the increase, projecting that it will:

Attract over $150 million in new investment, boosting the industry.

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Expand 4G network coverage to 94% of the population, connecting about 9 million more people, including 2 million in rural areas.

Create approximately 2 million jobs in the telecom sector.

Generate N1.6 trillion in tax revenue for the government.

Dr. Bode Ajibade, an ICT expert, believed the increase is long overdue.

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“If we continue with low tariffs while costs keep rising, telecom companies will struggle to maintain service quality. In the long run, poor network coverage and slower internet will hurt consumers more than a price increase,” he said.

What’s the Way Forward? Possible Solutions

As tensions rise between consumers, labor unions, and telecom operators, some experts suggest a more balanced approach to the tariff adjustment. Possible solutions include:

1. Phased Implementation

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Instead of an immediate 50% increase, the NCC could introduce a gradual increase over 6 to 12 months. This would give consumers time to adjust while still allowing telecom operators to recover their costs.

2. Government Intervention to Reduce Costs

Rather than passing all financial burdens onto consumers, the government could ease operational costs for telecom companies by:

Reducing multiple taxation that inflates telecom expenses.

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Providing incentives for alternative energy solutions to reduce reliance on expensive fuel and generators.

Investing in telecom infrastructure, especially in underserved areas, to lower expansion costs for operators.

3. Special Consumer Relief Measures

To protect vulnerable Nigerians, the NCC could mandate affordable packages for:

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Students who rely on mobile data for education.

Low-income earners who need access to communication services.

Small businesses that depend on telecom services for digital transactions.

If implemented, these solutions could ensure industry sustainability while minimizing the financial impact on consumers.

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Conclusion: A Delicate Balancing Act

The NCC’s 50% tariff hike represents a difficult but necessary step in maintaining the long-term health of Nigeria’s telecom industry. While it addresses the rising costs faced by operators, it also places additional financial pressure on consumers who are already struggling with economic hardship.

The key challenge now is finding a middle ground—one that keeps the telecom sector competitive without making communication unaffordable for Nigerians.

As the February 4 protest date approaches, the government must decide whether to review the tariff policy, introduce relief measures, or maintain the current plan. Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain—the future of Nigeria’s telecom industry and digital economy depends on striking the right balance between business sustainability and consumer protection.

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What’s your take on the NCC’s tariff hike? Should the government intervene, or is this a necessary step for industry survival? Share your thoughts.

*Lukman Laleye Babalola, Publisher Emporium Reporters online and Emporium Magazine.He writes from Abuja 08037469328. [email protected]

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