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.

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.”

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.

> 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.

> “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.

> .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. “

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.

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.

BY BOLAJI AFOLABI

The out-going year has being a special one; variously described, and decorated with flowing and fitting epaulettes. To many people, 2024 is a year of elections. As though planned, about four-dozen countries in Europe, America, Asia, and the Middle East conducted national and regional elections into various legislative and presidential positions. Elections held in the United States of America; Britain; Portugal; Finland; Uruguay; India; Mexico; Jordan; South Korea; Croatia; and Pakistan. Others included Dominican Republic; Belgium; Austria; Venezuela; Indonesia; Sri Lanka; Syria; North Korea; Romania; Bolivia; and Bangladesh. Less popular, and little known nations including El Salvador; Azerbaijan; Taiwan; Panama; San Marino; Solomon Islands; Bhutan; Palau; Tuvalu; and Mongolia also made the cut.

Africa is not left out. About twelve countries in the continent conducted presidential, legislative or local elections. In Comoros; aptly dubbed small archipelago off Africa’s east coast, President Azali Assoumani; former military officer who staged successful coup in 1999 won fourth-term election into the country’s highest office. The Frelimo Party, and Daniel Chapo won the presidential elections in Mozambique, extending it’s dominance to almost 50 years. In Namibia, the SWAPO party consolidated it’s total grip of power and governance by electing Ms. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as the country’s first female president. Though Cyril Ramaphosa won re-election as South Africa’s president but his party, the African National Congress (ANC) failed to post outright majority, for the first time since Late Nelson Mandela emerged the “rainbow” country’s president in 1994. The ANC had to form a unity government; coalition with other political parties.

Elsewhere, history was made in Senegal, a country that prides herself as the home of democracy in Africa. Forty-four year old Bassirou Diomaye Faye became president in a largely one-sided elections. By this pace-setting feat, the country’s opposition leader who was released from prison few weeks to the elections, became African’s youngest (democratically elected) president. In Botswana, for the first time in 6 decades, an opposition leader; Duma Gideon Boko was elected as president. The development was a milestone as the country has being governed by one party in about 60 years. President Paul Kagame of Rwanda won with about 100 percent of the votes to extend his foothold for close to 30 years.

The December 7 presidential and parliamentary elections in Ghana was unique in several ways. Regarded as West Africa’s democracy lodestar, the elections emerged as arguably the most predictable since the country transitioned to democratic rule in January 1993. Given the preponderance of economic, social, political, and development challenges, many people in various platforms, and handles had postulated victory for the opposition. Like most countries in Africa, Ghana, the 2nd largest cocoa producer in the world, was battling with pervading inflation; accentuating poverty; spiraling depreciation of the national currency; and escalating indebtedness. Also the nation got stuck with non-ingenious foreign borrowings; multifaceted corruption; disabling unemployment; decapitated infrastructure; illegal, mindless gold mining (famously called “galamsey”); leadership ineptness; and citizens unbelievability in government.

Little wonder at the end of the December 7 elections, a new dawn was opened in Ghana’s democratic odyssey. The National Democratic Congress, (NDC) defeated the New Patriotic Party, (NPP) in both the presidential and parliamentary elections. The NDC’s John Dramani Mahama recorded 6,328,397 (56.55 percent) as against NPP’s Mahamudu Bawumia who polled 4,657,304 (41.61 percent) to emerge as the president-elect. At the parliamentary elections, the NDC won 186, while NPP got 81 out of the 267 results declared so far in the 276-legislative body. The parliamentary result is historic and trail-blazing in many ways. The NDC did not only achieved the threshold of 139 seats to have majority but won 47 seats more, and thus became the first political party to achieve this enviable record. The NDC’s electoral triumph was comprehensive, and overwhelming such that Bawumia of NPP conceded victory while few of the results were just being declared by the country’s Electoral Commission headed by Ms. Jean Adukwei Mensa, who was appointed in July 2018, and allegedly accused of being pro-NPP.

The Ghana’s elections presents remarkable, and inspiring templates. The NDC’s candidate, former Ghana’s vice president (2009 – 2012) became president after the death (while in office) of John Atta Mills in July 2012. Mahama, like Goodluck Jonathan subsequently got elected for a 4-year term in December 2012, when he defeated the out-going president, Nana Akufo-Addo, who was the NPP candidate then. Mahama, by the way lost his re-election aspiration in 2016 to Nana Akufo-Addo. By that defeat, like Jonathan, Mahama became the first and only sitting Ghanian president to lose elections while in office. Mahama, whose late father; Emmanuel Adama Mahama was a former member of parliament, Minister and Adviser in Nkrumah and Liman’s respective government lost again to Nana Akufo-Addo in 2020, still as the NDC candidate.

NDC’s victory meant it avoided the negative honour of being the first party to be in opposition after three consecutive elections. Conversely, it denied the NPP of becoming Ghana’s first party to break the circle of eight years dominance. Thus, since 1992 when Ghana embraced democracy, no political party has won beyond 2 consecutive terms at the country’s presidential election. Bawumia, the 61 year old out-going vice president, and NPP candidate; Head of Nana Akufo-Addo’s Economic Management Team, and former Deputy Governor, Ghana’s Central Bank, arguably becomes the country’s first-sitting number 2 man to lose presidential elections. Mahama’s running mate; Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, who was his former Education Minister made history as the first female vice president of the country. That she was picked as running mate; second time in two consecutive elections, is a measure of Mahama’s confidence in the capacities of the 72 years old retired academic, and his believe, respect for gender inclusivity in governance.

As expected, the thrills and frills of Ghana elections has generated reactions. Across the world, the effects and lessons of the polls keeps reverberating in public discourses within and outside Africa. Given the unique, and salient features and outcomes of the elections, many people in Nigeria have learnt their voices to it. The deluge of comments and opinions are far-reaching and encompassing. From policy makers to politicians, institutions, and individuals, many Nigerians are having “their say” on the matter. While few of the comments are logical, some lacked merit, and many are outrightly deceptive, cynical, and comical. They can be described as ego-tripping, and tongue-foolery.

One is happy that the opposition parties are sounding upbeat, and brimming with confidence that the Ghana-experience can happen in Nigeria in 2027. Few opposition leaders even pontificate that with Ghana’s NDC having similar logo-colour with the PDP, it is hopeful that the umbrella party have realistic chances of re-capturing political power in 2027. It is good to dream but such should be backed with very realistic, and focussed doggedness. Perhaps it is trite to reiterate that election winning goes beyond similarities of logo, and colour. The PDP; being the major opposition party should show the way to others in it’s group.

True Ghana’s presidential and parliamentary elections holds once every 4 years; like Nigeria but can one rightly equate party politics in both countries? On the writer’s first visit to Ghana in 2011, after interaction with different categories of people, it was evidently clear that our neighbors, though smaller in population and geographical size are ahead of our dear country in many ways. The reality is that in Ghana, politics is built on ideologies, and ingrained on members from generation to generation. Dramani’s long history with the NDC, and Nana Akufo-Addo’s stay with the NPP are obvious proofs of the party culture, focus, and discipline in Ghana. Party leaders and members are resolute to swim or sink with their respective parties not minding results of elections. Dramani, since he lost the presidential election to Nana Akufo-Addo in 2016, stayed with the NDC by frontally playing his role as the leader, and face of opposition. Happily, his consistency, reliability, doggedness, and commitment was rewarded by Ghanaians at the December 7 elections.

Do we have a semblance of similitude in Nigeria. Here, it is bad that almost all the political parties do not have known ideologies. Even where they have, are they followed with iron-cast resoluteness and believe? Political parties are mainly, and merely used as special purpose vehicles to gain power, and have access to the perks of office. The common, and easily noticeable feature among majority of our politicians is “jumpology.” They regal in shameless, rudderless, and unprincipled gale of defections from party to party after every election circle. Painfully, this disturbing trend has become normalized since 1999, such that very few politicians have not moved from one divide to the other. Sadly, unlike Ghana, politics here is driven by greed, selfish desires, and personal ambitions; which are most cases inordinate and self-seeking.

True democracy can only thrive where there is credible opposition that can effectively and efficiently check and balance the ruling party. Rather than making juicy comments, and salacious opinions about the reenactment of the Ghana political heroics in Nigeria, politicians should do the needful. In doing this, there must be sincere house-cleaning whence some politicians would have to go upstairs and assume advisory roles in their respective parties. Some would have to “sacrifice” their ambitions to various positions. Many should consciously imbibe the true meaning of politics as service to the people. True party discipline should be enthroned. Without operationalizing these, and more necessary fundamentals, expectations of the Ghana-experience will remain a vaunting ambition, and mirage.

* BOLAJI AFOLABI, a development communications specialist was with the Office of Public Affairs in The Presidency.

BY BOLAJI AFOLABI

Between the last week of August and mid September 2007, the writer was in the United Kingdom; first visit to the Queensland (or is it the Kingsland now, with the glorious passing of the legendary Queen Elizabeth?) for annual vacation. After few days of staying indoors to acclimatize to the weather-change which was occasioned by intermittent sprinkling of showers, my host, Mr. Adisa Ojo, a naturalized Briton came up with an idea as the weekend was knocking. Conscious of my passion for the round-leather game, he suggested we go out to watch any of the English Premier League matches at any of the stadia in and around London.

Being a confirmed, card-carrying, and fee-paying supporter of Arsenal FC, my host naturally had preference for us to watch his London-based club, who by the way were scheduled to play Portsmouth that weekend. As a soccer aficionado of sorts, who have no allegiance to any football club, the writer agreed with the proposal for few reasons. To have first-time experience at the magnificent Emirates stadium which had the imprimatur of iconic Arsene Wenger; opportunity to watch Nigeria’s Kanu Nwankwo, and his other African teammates including John Utaka, Sulley Muntari, Aaron Mokena, and two others; and enjoy the admixture of ecstasy, anxiety, passion, screaming, shouts, and singing usually associated with live matches.

Sunday September 2, 2007, we made our ways to the elegantly-looking, architectural masterpiece, and head-turning stadium. After over 90 minutes of beautiful football that was laced with players theatrics and taunting, Arsenal defeated Portsmouth three goals to one. While Togo-Nigerian born Emmanuel Adebayor, Cesc Fabregas, and Tomas Rosicky scored for the London club, Nigeria’s Kanu Nwankwo got the only goal; with assist from John Utaka for Portsmouth. As the match progressed, it was obvious that Kanu was the darling of Arsenal fans. Every of his touches, twist and turns, on and off the ball moves were enthusiastically applauded. For the visiting Portsmouth supporters, the former African footballer of the year was a genius. He joined the club at 30 years, played over 40 games in a career that ran from 2006 to 2012, and scored the “golden goal” that won the English FA Cup for Portsmouth. The club’s first and only silverware till now.

Game over, we settled for a sit-out at one of the relaxation spots around the popular Trafalgar Square. Within short space of time, the entire areas were filled up with people. Surprisingly, many of the players who barely an hour back were exchanging tackles and tantrums, made their ways to the square arms around each other with back slaps, hearty conversations, and youthful camaraderie. In the process, a young man moved towards us, requesting to join the table. After quick exchange of pleasantries, discovering we all are Nigerians, the trio had exciting, and exhilarating evening. It became more enticing and engaging when our “brother” mentioned the name of the subject of this article.

In the testimony of Daniel Umoh, a Swedish-based project engineer and systems developer, he encountered Mr. Hassan Taiye Ejibunu at the Ministry of Sports Development. On internship, he was one of the young men that Ejibunu always counsel, encourage, and support. The Akwa Ibom-born engineer reiterated that his life-story cannot be complete without the inclusion of Ejibunu. Noticing the writer’s inquisitive body-language, he called one Usman Abdullahi; another beneficiary of Ejibunu’s kind-heartedness. From his New Jersey, USA base, the Jigawa state indigene spoke passionately, and fondling about the impact Ejibunu had in his life while in Nigeria. The Infotech graduate who switched to the medical profession concluded that, “Uncle Ejibunu is a completely de-tribalized person who is always interested in the career progression of youths that comes around him.” Umoh added that, “he is always committed in touching people’s lives regardless of who you are, where you come from, and your status. He is a very good man.”

With such uncommon pedigree, unusual antecedents, and unparalleled commitment to human development, it was not surprising that staff of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development decided to organize a befitting send-forth for Mr. Hassan Taiye Ejibunu. He bowed out of national service after years of distinguished, and meritorious career in Nigeria’s Federal Civil Service. That staff members decided to honour him in such an elaborate and expansive manner aptly confirms that he was a man of the people, loved by the majority of workers. True, the owners of the Nuhu Musa Hall in highbrow Asokoro District in Abuja will be surprised with the quality and assemblage of guests that thronged the venue on Monday, December 22, 2024. The classy event was graced by personalities from within and without Nigeria. Not minding the preponderance of activities that crowds the yuletide season, dignitaries came in large numbers from Lagos, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Ibadan, Kabba, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, the United Kingdom, United States of America, and Abuja. The beautifully decorated hall was packed full with personalities from different walks of life who passionately identified with a man whose genial carriage, cheerful and cheery disposition, and amiable, accessible personality are easily noticeable at all times.

Instructively, the occasion was attended by the top management, and representatives of every of the other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies that Ejibunu served during his about three decade-long tour of duty. These includes Federal Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry; Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA); National Commission for Refugees, Migration, and Internally Displaced Persons; Federal Ministry of Sports; Federal Character Commission; and Federal Ministry of Transport. Agencies which he had contiguous official schedules with; as Director in the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development were also at the event. These includes the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA); Nigeria Airspace Management Authority (NAMA); Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN); and few others.

In their respective tributes, Ejibunu’s passion for excellence; commitment to integrity; consistency to transparency; resoluteness to the realization of set objectives; and undeniable quest for general well-being of people were variously highlighted. Leading a team of four Directors, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development eulogized Ejibunu’s “hard work, composure, selflessness, and doggedness. He was a very simple, direct, peaceful, and easy going person loved by all staff in the Ministry. No doubt, we are going to miss him.” For the Federal Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry where as Director, Weights and Measures he developed strategic framework which is not only operational but positively contributing to national revenue, “with no science background, he turned the department around, and within months it became one of the most strategic and successful departments in the ministry.” Similar views were expressed by agencies under the Aviation and Aerospace Development Ministry who confessed, and commended Ejibunu’s display of professionalism and excellence as their direct supervisor despite not being an aviation person.

Speaking further, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Yusuf, former three-term member, House of Representatives describes Ejibunu as, “a good person through and true. He is at peace with everybody. Ever committed to community development. I recall that during my days as the representative of the good people of Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, he was readily available to give support, advise, and encouragement at all times. He was one of the few people who regularly calls to know how I’m fairing.” On his part, Deputy Corps Marshal (DCM) C.O Oladele; who is a long-time friend of the celebrant said, “he is an extremely simple, courteous, and humble person. In our years of relationship which started as undergraduates up till now, I have never seen him angry. His love for people and their well-being is unbelievable.” On the sidelines of the epoch making event, Hon. Adedoyin Olamife, a former Deputy Governorship candidate at the last Kogi state Governorship elections, declared that, “my brother and friend is without doubt one of the very few extremely good people I know. He is full of empathy, and committed to friendship. He is selfless, and sympathetic to people. At various times, and in different positions, he has positively touched many lives.”

Hassan Taiye Ejibunu who logged over twenty years in public service, rose to the position of Director, Air Transport Management, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development. Though not 60 years old, but had to retire in compliance with the Civil Service Rules that one cannot be Director for more than eight years. There were whisperings at the event that he was allegedly denied promotion to the position of Permanent Secretary for some purported primordial and ethnic reasoning. To this, a friend of his declared that, “you know he is a deeply religious person who believes in the will of God for all things. I don’t think he is bothered by these actions. His faith and trust in the fulfillment of God’s purpose for him remains irrevocable.”

Ejibunu, who is fondly called “Perez” by his friends; after the fifth secretary-general of the United Nations (1982 to 1991); Javier Perez de Cuellar, have another moniker that as my egbon, and in strict adherence to Yoruba culture, the writer dare not put on print. The accomplished technocrat, and quintessential administrator was born on August 1, 1965 to the illustrious Ejibunu family in Kabba; headquarters of the old Kabba Province which consists parts of present day Kogi, Kwara, and Benue states, as well as being the political and administrative capital of Kogi West Senatorial District. An alumni of the Ahmadu Bello University, where he graduated in 1988 with degree in International Studies. He has two Masters degrees in International Relations, and Peace and Conflict Resolution from the University of Benin, and an Austrian University. He has professional and graduate cerification from some institutions within and outside the country, as well as Fellowship and Membership of professional bodies including the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria. He is happily married to his heartthrob; Funmi, an accomplished educationist, and blessed with children who are making significant progress in their chosen careers and vocation.

* BOLAJI AFOLABI, a development communications specialist was with the Office of Public Affairs in The Presidency