ALTON: Banks clear N300bn USSD debt, NCC intervention resolves telecom crisis

Commercial banks have settled nearly N300 billion in debt owed to Nigerian telecom operators for USSD services, resolving a four-year dispute. ALTON Chairman Engr. Gbenga Adebayo confirmed the resolution during a visit to NCC Chairman Idris Olorunnimbe. The debt crisis, described as a systemic risk to the sector, was resolved through NCC Executive Vice Chairman Dr. Aminu Maida's leadership. The migration to end-user billing now deducts USSD charges directly from mobile airtime at N6.98/120 seconds, replacing bank deductions. This follows NCC's 2025 tariff review approval, which ended 13 years of static pricing despite rising costs. The tariff increase saved the industry from collapse, restoring profitability and network stability. ALTON also called for intervention on excessive state taxes and levies.

SOURCE: https://nairametrics.com/2026/02/19/banks-have-cleared-nearly-n300bn-ussd-debt-alton-confirms/