Telecom
NCC Slashes Telcos USSD Charge to N4.89k Per Session
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued an order to all telcos to bring down their Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) services to no more than N4.89k per session.
This came after the Commission issued a regulatory document titled Determination of USSD Pricing which is binding on all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).
The usual practise involves a negotiation between Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and financial service providers in determining what the consumers pay for mobile USSD transactions.
The NCC, however, waded into the matter and issued orders on how digital financial services should be done with the aim of issuing new guidelines for licensing finance and getting more Nigerians into the government’s financial inclusion plans.
The document stated that a USSD session is 20 seconds and would not be charged above N4.89k. The change will be effective from 1st September 2019.
This determination does not apply to the currently zero-rated USSD services such as customer service, balance enquiry, purchase of airtime and data services, etc. related to telecommunications services.
The NCC explained the reason for the order, stating that other financial services by the network providers were often high and arbitrary.
The regulator also expressed beliefs that banks and licensed mobile financial services providers would comply with this new instruction.
“It is expected that other players in the Digital Finance ecosystem (such as banks and licensed mobile financial services providers etc.) would equally be transparent and ensure that their charges reflect their true cost structures. It is expected that this determination will enable such transparent cost application in that sector. The commission looks forward to action by the other regulators in this regard to achieve fair pricing to the benefit of consumers, the different players in the ecosystem, and Nigeria as a whole.
“The Commission encourages the Central Bank of Nigeria to look into, and conclusively address these concerns.”
Meanwhile, MTN, Globacom, Airtel and 9mobile kicked against the NCC’s decision, noting that the recommended cost might not be a true reflection of the total costs for the provision of USSD services.
They explained that the new regulation is a significant reduction of what obtains in the industry rate and could bring down proceeds for future investments towards supporting the evolving digital financial service ecosystem.
But NCC has said that the cost determined took into consideration all the relevant cost elements required to perform a USSD service.
According to the regulator, “the cost is modelled after an ‘efficient operator’ and not intended to be a direct reflection of the cost of any individual operator.
“The Commission aligns with the assertion that there is no obvious market failure in terms of competition amongst the MNOs in the USSD service market segment.”
The regulator also said this new directive is very crucial in the attainment of Nigeria’s social and economic-financial inclusion strategies.
With the introduction of Travel Saga, a premium, fast-paced gaming experience that is currently live and accessible to customers on its network, Globacom has lifted the bar for mobile entertainment in the country.
Travel Saga is a story-driven, intricately connected role-playing game designed to provide the thrill, complexity, and competitive intensity of some of the most well-known action games in the world.
The game, which has been painstakingly optimized for mobile devices, redefines mobile gaming as a full-fledged digital battlefield by translating a console-grade experience onto data-enabled handsets.
Fundamentally, Travel Saga takes users on quick virtual journeys against recognizable international landscapes. In a dynamic, ever-evolving gaming environment, players are thrown into furious missions, fierce fights, and ever-expanding tales where talent, strategy, and endurance determine who rises through the ranks to become a true war hero.
In addition to the excitement of fighting, users are encouraged to go to various locations, take part in thrilling challenges, and participate in intense competition for in-app rewards like points and victory badges. With each encounter and accomplishment, the immersion increases with each level, maintaining momentum and excitement.
Flexible subscription plans with one-time or auto-renewal choices are available to subscribers for the service, which costs ₦100 per day and ₦250 per week. By dialing *70021#, customers can quickly subscribe and gain instant access to the action.
With Travel Saga, Glo reaffirms its dedication to innovation and high-end digital experiences, making top-notch gaming easily accessible to its customers. The game offers uninterrupted action, adventure, and competition, all smoothly supported by the Glo network.
SHELT, a leading cybersecurity-as-a-service provider, has earned inclusion in the 2025 MSSP 250, the annual ranking of the world’s top 250 Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) by MSSP Alert, a CyberRisk Alliance publication.
SHELT
The list evaluates firms on business performance, service breadth, and industry impact, spotlighting those excelling in growth, operational excellence, and advanced managed security amid rising cyber threats. Selection criteria include annual recurring revenue, profitability, workforce expansion, business growth, and the depth of managed security offerings.
SHELT’s recognition underscores its investments in scalable security operations, threat intelligence, and tailored managed services across multiple regions, enabling clients to navigate complex risk landscapes effectively.
“Being recognised in the MSSP 250 is a meaningful milestone for our team,” stated Youssef Abillama, CEO of SHELT. “It validates our focus on building practical, resilient security services that help organisations manage risk and respond effectively to today’s evolving cyber threats.”
The company hailed the honour as testament to its teams’ dedication and expertise worldwide, reaffirming commitment to enhancing capabilities and delivering trusted cybersecurity solutions.
Meta Platforms, owner of Facebook, has appointed Dina Powell McCormick, a former adviser to President Donald Trump, as its new president and vice chairman, bolstering its leadership amid aggressive AI and infrastructure expansion.
Dina Powell McCormick
The announcement, made on Monday, positions Powell McCormick – who recently stepped down from Meta’s board after eight months – to guide overall strategy, including multi-billion-dollar investments in data centres and global partnerships.
A Goldman Sachs veteran with 16 years in senior roles and prior stints as deputy national security adviser under Trump and in the Bush administration, she brings deep finance and international ties to the role.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg hailed her as “uniquely qualified” for the company’s next growth phase, while President Trump praised the move on Truth Social as a “fantastic choice”.
The hire signals Meta’s efforts to strengthen White House relations, following recent dinners with Trump and U.S. investment pledges worth hundreds of billions
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