Business

Banks, MTN dispute over USSD, airtime fees deepens

Published

5 years ago

April 2, 2021

There were strong indications last night that some commercial banks may have yanked off their USSD, airtime purchase, and other online services from MTN network due to the disagreement between the financial institutions and the telecommunication company on the amount to be charged.

THISDAY gathered that the bank Chief Executive Officers had at a recent meeting agreed to shut down purchase of MTN services across all their channels beginning from 11 pm last night until further notice.

Attempt by THISDAY to purchase airtime from GTBank last night showed that the commercial bank had removed MTN among the network its customers could purchase airtime from.

However, Fidelity Bank was still offering the service as of midnight.

A source close to the banks explained that the disagreement arose after MTN recently reduced the discount offered to banks on airtime sales from four per cent to 2.5 per cent, which did not go down well with banks considering the cost of managing the infrastructure and other operational costs they incurred.

A top bank official, who pleaded to remain anonymous, said other banks are expected to comply with the decision of their CEOs from today.

He disclosed that over 60 per cent of airtime vending by telcos presently were done electronically through the banks.

The CBN and the NCC, had in a recent communique issued at the end of a meeting to resolve the disagreement on USSD fee between the banks and telcos agree that with effect from March 16, 2021, USSD services for financial transactions conducted at banks and all CBN- licensed institutions would be a flat rate of N6.98k per transaction.

This replaced the previous per session billing structure, ensuring a much cheaper average cost for customers to ensure financial inclusion.

“To promote transparency, the new USSD charges will be collected on behalf of MNOs directly from customers’ bank accounts. “Banks shall not impose additional charges on customers for the use of USSD channel. “A settlement plan for outstanding payments incurred for USSD services previously rendered by the MNOs is being worked out by all parties in a bid to ensure that the matter is fully resolved,” the communiqué explained.

Related Topics:airtime fees Banks GTBank MTN USSD

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40 Million Nigerians Await MTN as Airtel, Glo Bring Back Airtime Loans

Published

5 hours ago

June 2, 2026

Trends Admin

40 Million Nigerians Await MTN as Airtel, Glo Bring Back Airtime Loans

Airtime lending services in Nigeria are making a strong comeback after weeks of uncertainty. The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has confirmed that 40 million subscribers will soon regain full access to emergency credit facilities. This development follows Airtel Nigeria’s decision to restore its airtime credit service and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s (FCCPC) suspension of the controversial DEON Regulations 2025. For millions of prepaid and low-income users, these small airtime advances are a daily lifeline for communication and economic survival.

Airtel Nigeria and Globacom (Glo) have fully restored their airtime lending services after a six-week suspension. Ayo Stuffman, chairman of the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN), confirmed on Monday, May 25, 2026, that the services in question are already active on Airtel and Glo. In contrast, MTN Nigeria has yet to resume the service. The return follows a decision by the FCCPC to suspend enforcement of its controversial DEON Regulations 2025 after a court order halted implementation. The suspension had disrupted services such as ‘Borrow Me Credit’ and other airtime advance platforms used by millions of Nigerians, especially low-income subscribers who rely on small airtime loans during emergencies or temporary cash shortages.

ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo has stated that the regulatory landscape is now sufficiently clear for operators to resume operations. He commended Airtel for taking the lead in restoring access to subscribers, noting that the regulatory environment is now clear and that full restoration is imminent. Adebayo emphasized that the courts have spoken, the FCCPC has acted responsibly, and two of the four major operators have already restored services. He added that there is no ambiguity left, and the association expects every operator to act with the urgency their subscribers deserve.

The disruption began in April 2026 after the FCCPC classified airtime credit as a consumer lending product under its DEON Regulations 2025. The move prompted MTN Nigeria, Airtel, Globacom and T2mobile to suspend services. Nigeria’s airtime credit market is estimated at N300 billion to N400 billion annually. Adebayo argued the suspension showed airtime credit is a critical economic infrastructure, not a typical financial product. He explained that what this episode demonstrated is that airtime credit is not a financial product in the way regulators initially characterised it. He described it as economic infrastructure that approximately 40 million people use regularly, with the vast majority of them at the base of the economy. He warned that removing that infrastructure, even temporarily, had consequences that went far beyond the telecom sector.

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The turning point came when the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN) filed a lawsuit challenging the FCCPC’s authority. Justice A.L. Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Lagos, issued an ex parte order restraining the FCCPC from enforcing the framework, while Form 49 contempt proceedings were reportedly initiated against the Commission’s Executive Vice Chairman, Tunji Bello. In a statement on Friday, May 22, 2026, FCCPC Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, confirmed the Commission’s compliance with the court order. Ijagwu stated that as a law-abiding institution, the Commission, in deference and in obedience to the rule of law, hereby suspends the implementation and the enforcement of the DEON Regulations 2025. Despite the temporary suspension, the FCCPC signalled plans to challenge the ruling, stating that its legal team had been instructed to contest both the court order and the competence of the suit filed against it. The Commission had earlier claimed it received more than 11,000 consumer complaints linked to digital lending operations, which partly motivated its regulatory push.

With Airtel and Globacom already back online, attention has shifted to MTN Nigeria, which serves over 95 million subscribers. MTN’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Tobechukwu Okigbo, explained that the operator needs further legal clarity before restoring services. Okigbo stated that in terms of what needs to happen for them to resume the airtime advance service, there are essentially two conditions. First, they would require either a court ruling that sets aside the regulations empowering the FCCPC to license, which has not happened. Second, they would need a clear directive instructing them to reinstate the service.

For subscribers on Airtel and Glo, accessing emergency credit is now straightforward. Users can simply dial the harmonized USSD code *303# and select the “Borrow Credit” or “Airtime Advance” option. They can then choose their desired loan amount, which is repaid automatically on their next recharge. MTN subscribers, however, will continue to see an error message until the company decides to restore the service.

ALTON has used this episode to call for stronger coordination between the FCCPC and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to avoid future regulatory clashes. Adebayo noted that the recent disruption highlighted the importance of airtime credit services to millions of Nigerians, particularly those in lower-income communities who rely on the facility to stay connected. He argued that the FCCPC’s consumer protection mandate and the NCC’s telecom regulatory mandate can coexist without either displacing the other. The lesson, according to him, is that Nigeria’s regulatory agencies need formal coordination protocols for services at the intersection of telecommunications and financial products. He stated that ALTON is ready to participate in that conversation and urged both agencies to begin it without delay.

Looking ahead, the final outcome of the court battle will determine the future regulatory control of Nigeria’s fast-growing digital credit ecosystem. If the court rules in favor of the telecom operators, MTN will likely restore services quickly, and the NCC will retain oversight of airtime lending. If the FCCPC wins, stricter digital lending rules may apply, including licensing requirements, interest rate caps, and consumer complaint mechanisms. For now, Airtel and Glo subscribers can breathe easier knowing their emergency credit line is back. Millions of MTN users, however, must wait for either a court ruling or a clear directive before they can once again borrow airtime to stay connected.

40 Million Nigerians Await MTN as Airtel, Glo Bring Back Airtime Loans

Auto

Toyota Motor Show Roars into Lagos Tomorrow with Test Drives, Debates, Free Diagnostics, Others

Published

1 day ago

June 1, 2026

Trends Admin

Toyota Motor Show Roars into Lagos Tomorrow with Test Drives, Debates, Free Diagnostics, Others

4-Day Festival Kicks Off June 2, No Admission Fees

If you have ever wanted to get behind the wheel of a Land Cruiser, grill a Toyota engineer, or win prizes while learning how your engine actually works, tomorrow is your day.

Toyota Nigeria Limited will throw open the gates for its annual Toyota Motor Show on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. And for four days, Lekki becomes the city’s biggest car park, debate stage, and hangout spot rolled into one. The show runs through Saturday, June 6, with a break on Friday, 5th June, according to the organisers, TNL.

Forget the usual “stand-and-stare” motor shows. TNL says it is going full experience:

Day 1: Tuesday, June 2 – See It, Drive It, Hear It
Doors open for open vehicle viewing. But the headline is _PodCARst_ going live – Toyota’s new podcast recorded on-site. First guest? Celebrity guest Soma, in conversation with execs. Think cars, culture, and no script.

Day 2: Wednesday, June 3 – Youth Takeover
This is for students and young professionals. Expect debate competitions, quiz battles, and hands-on workshops. Kate Henshaw, screen legend, will be on ground to meet fans and judge the action.

Toyota Motor Show Roars into Lagos Tomorrow with Test Drives, Debates, Free Diagnostics, Others

Auto

Toyota By CFAO Launches 2026 RAV4 in Nigeria, Ends Long Wait for Latest Global Model

Published

2 days ago

June 1, 2026

Trends Admin

2026 Toyota RAV4

Toyota By CFAO Launches 2026 RAV4 in Nigeria, Ends Long Wait for Latest Global Model

Toyota-by-CFAO Nigeria has unveiled the all-new 2026 Toyota RAV4, bringing the latest generation of the globally acclaimed SUV to the Nigerian market in a move that signals a new era for local vehicle buyers.

For the first time, Nigerian customers will have access to the same-generation RAV4 available in leading international markets, eliminating the years-long delay that has traditionally separated local buyers from global launches.

The new SUV is backed by a three-year manufacturer’s warranty, Toyota-certified after-sales support and nationwide access to genuine spare parts, with customer deliveries already underway.

Speaking at the unveiling, Managing Director of Toyota-by-CFAO Nigeria, Boye Ajayi, said the company was raising the benchmark for vehicle ownership in the country.

“The 2026 RAV4 is here. Nigerian customers are no longer waiting years behind global markets or settling for older specifications. They are receiving the same vehicle available internationally, at the same time, with full manufacturer support,” Ajayi said.

Available in three variants — Active (2.0L 2WD), Comfort (2.0L 4WD) and Limited (2.0L 4WD) — the SUV is powered by a 2.0-litre DOHC petrol engine producing 172 horsepower and features Sport, Normal and Eco driving modes.

Designed to balance comfort, performance and practicality, the RAV4 offers a 481-litre cargo space, 201mm ground clearance and a 55-litre fuel tank suited for both city commuting and long-distance travel.

Standard features across the range include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, dual-zone climate control, LED headlamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, SmartKey keyless entry, push-button start and a rear-view camera.

Toyota also equipped the SUV with an extensive safety package, including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), hill-start assist and multiple airbags.