News
NCC revises determination on USSD pricing
Nasiru Yusuf
The Nigerian Communications Commission has revised its Determination on Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) pricing published on the 23rd of July, 2019.
Kano Focus reports that, the commission said the development is in furtherance of its mandate to protect the interests of consumers and support a robust telecommunications sector.
A statement sent to Kano Focus by commission’s director public affairs Ikechukwu Adinde revealed that the amendment was necessitated following a protracted dispute between Mobile Network Operators and Financial Institutions on the applicable charges for USSD services and the method of billing.
The statement added that as a responsive and effective regulatory authority, the Commission recognises that its policies are not static and may be modified from time to time as circumstances demand.
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This according to the statement is coming on the heels of a recent directive by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, regarding a review of the USSD pricing by all parties involved, following a presentation made by the Commission on the billing structure, determination of USSD pricing, current status and the way forward.
Speaking during the presentation, the Minister stated that he took the decision to suspend the commencement of end-user billing (where the consumers are charged directly from their airtime balance for use of USSD channels as opposed to corporate billing where the banks paid the MNOs for the use of USSD service) because he was “genuinely besieged with a barrage of complaints at the attempted commencement of end-user billing by service providers.”
The Minister also clarified that “USSD is a service to banks and not to the Telecom Consumers, and as such, banks should see themselves as corporate customers of telecom operators with a duty to pay for using the telecom network and infrastructure, including USSD channels extended to them for service delivery to their customers.”
According to him, “Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have no direct relationship to bank customers, and cannot, therefore, charge directly for usage of USSD channel.”
The USSD channel has evolved over time from a telco-exclusive channel used for only telco services such as balance inquiry and recharges to a channel for the deployment of a broad spectrum of services, including financial, insurance, agricultural, government services and more. The use of USSD channel has become a critical resource in the economy even more so in this era of the Covid-19 pandemic that has witnessed a rise in reliance on digital services.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Umar Garba Danbatta, in the interest of the consumers and other stakeholders, has revised the Determination previously issued by removing the Price Floor and the Cap to allow the Mobile Network Operators and the banks negotiate rates that will be mutually beneficial to all parties concerned.
The NCC also determined that Mobile Network Operators must not charge the consumers directly for the use of USSD channels for financial services in the form of end-user-billing. The transaction should be between the MNOs and the entity to which the service is provided (i.e. Banks and Financial Institutions).
The statement said the copy of the determination is available on the NCC’s website, www.ncc.gov.ng.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has reaffirmed the party’s 60/40 leadership-sharing formula between new defectors and existing members in Kano State.
KANO FOCUS reports that Prof Yilwatda made the declaration during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, where he expressed satisfaction with what he described as an impressive turnout of party supporters and leaders.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the APC National Chairman, the 60/40 arrangement was designed to promote inclusiveness, unity, and effective participation of all stakeholders in party affairs and governance activities.
He said he was deeply impressed by the large number of party faithful who attended the meeting, noting that the turnout reflected a high level of enthusiasm, unity, and commitment among APC members in Kano State.
Yilwatda added that the strong gathering was a positive signal that would further strengthen support for President Bola Tinubu and boost his prospects in the forthcoming general elections.
He also commended Alhaji Yusuf Gawuna and Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, for setting aside personal ambitions and aligning with the Governor’s vision for the party in Kano.
The APC Chairman further praised former Kano State Governor and ex-APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, for his leadership and contributions to the party’s growth and cohesion in the state.
In his response, Governor Yusuf thanked the APC leadership for the visit and for their continued support toward unity and peace in Kano State.
He reaffirmed his commitment to working collaboratively with party members to ensure that the state remains united and prosperous, in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.
Governor Yusuf noted that the strong turnout and show of solidarity demonstrated that APC members in Kano are ready to work together for the progress of the party and the overall development of the state.
Bosede Olufemi
A retired Assistant Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Alhaji Kabiru Yusuf-Nadabo, has called for the relocation of Singer Market in Kano to the Dangwaro International Market following repeated fire incidents at the facility.
KANO FOCUS reports that Yusuf-Nadabo, who is also a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Jigawa State, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Monday.
He said the relocation had become necessary to address persistent fire outbreaks that have plagued the market over the past 15 years.
According to him, he was at the scene of the latest fire incident on February 14 from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m., where he observed serious challenges in accessing the area during rescue operations.
“It took about 12 hours to put out the fire. The current location of the market is not conducive for heavy-duty and articulated vehicles, posing serious safety risks,” he said.
He noted that the market’s environment makes it difficult for articulated vehicles and fire service trucks to move freely, especially during emergencies.
Yusuf-Nadabo added that nearly 100 trucks enter the market daily to offload goods, contributing to congestion. He said major adjoining roads, including Bello Road and Ibrahim Taiwo Road, are often blocked, compounding traffic problems and hindering emergency response.
“Based on my experience in traffic management and public safety, relocating the market to Dangwaro International Market will significantly reduce congestion and help put an end to recurring fire outbreaks,” he stated.
The retired FRSC officer urged the Kano State Government to act urgently in the interest of public safety and sustainable urban development.
Meanwhile, KANO FOCUS reports that the recent fire destroyed goods and property worth over ₦5 billion, affecting more than 1,000 businesses and leaving seven persons missing.
The Chairman of the market, Alhaji Junaid Zakari, disclosed the extent of the damage to NAN in Kano on Sunday.
Singer Market has witnessed several fire outbreaks in recent years. A massive blaze occurred at the market on February 2, 2026, affecting numerous shops before firefighters and emergency agencies brought it under control, with no reported loss of lives.
In November 2025, a dawn fire razed 44 shops, while in March 2023, over 100 shops were destroyed. Similarly, in November 2022, a warehouse and goods worth over ₦100 million were consumed by fire.
Bosede Olufemi
The Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), Kano State Command, has appealed to the Federal and State Governments to strengthen its operational capacity to protect forests and curb criminal activities across the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the State Commander of the Service, Abdullahi Al’ameen, made the appeal at a security summit held in Kano, where he called for full legal recognition and improved logistical support for the organisation.
Al’ameen reaffirmed the commitment of the NFSS to enhancing national security through closer collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS).
He explained that the summit was organised simultaneously across the 36 states of the federation to promote intelligence-driven operations within Nigeria’s security architecture.
According to him, the forum was designed to provide a platform for the DSS to educate NFSS personnel on intelligence collation, analysis, dissemination, and the proper handling of classified information.
“The summit will also focus on the roles of intelligence officers during ambush situations and other security operations,” he said.
The commander disclosed that officers from the 44 Local Government Areas of Kano State participated in the summit, pledging their continued commitment to safeguarding communities.
Al’ameen urged participants to effectively apply the knowledge acquired at the summit in order to contribute meaningfully to national security efforts.
He also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to support the NFSS in its quest for full recognition as part of the country’s security agencies, noting that the service has made sustained efforts to be formally integrated into Nigeria’s security framework.
Also speaking at the event, Assistant Commandant (Operations) of the DSS Kano Command, Mr. Sale, urged personnel not to relent in applying intelligence-driven strategies when apprehending suspects.
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