Is Nigeria's Billion-Naira Billing Blunder Finally Getting a Fix?
Nigerian telcos are now in charge of USSD charges and your airtime.
For years, banks billed Nigerian telco customers for USSD-related charges but have owed telcos hundreds of billions of naira due to a problematic payment process. Now, it appears that the messy standoff is coming to an end, as telcos will begin to manage the payment process.
When users make use of a USSD session, the charge will now hit their airtime credit instead of their bank account. Telcos benefit, banks shrug, and users are reminded that digital convenience comes with a price. But whether the new policy resolves the issue or just shifts it remains to be seen.
Until next week,
— Chivumnovu
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