News
NCC, CBN to Introduce refund framework for failed airtime, data transactions
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) are set to roll out a joint refund framework aimed at resolving consumer complaints arising from failed airtime and data transactions.
KANO FOCUS reports that the initiative is part of efforts by both regulators to protect consumers who are debited for airtime or data purchases without receiving value due to network downtimes, system glitches or human errors.
The framework is the product of months of consultations involving the NCC, the CBN, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Value Added Service (VAS) providers, Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and other key stakeholders. The engagements were triggered by a growing number of complaints from subscribers over unsuccessful airtime and data purchases and delays in refunds.
According to the NCC, the framework represents a unified position by the telecommunications and financial sectors on addressing such challenges. It identifies the root causes of failed transactions, including instances where customers’ bank accounts are debited without successful service delivery, and introduces enforceable Service Level Agreements (SLAs) that clearly define the responsibilities of all parties involved.
Under the new arrangement, customers who are debited without receiving airtime or data will be entitled to a refund within 30 seconds, whether the failure occurs at the bank level or with an NCC licensee. However, in cases where a transaction is pending, the refund may take up to 24 hours.
The framework also mandates operators to notify customers via SMS on the success or failure of every transaction. It further addresses issues such as erroneous recharges to ported lines, incorrect airtime or data purchases, and transactions made to the wrong phone number.
Speaking on the development, the Director of Consumer Affairs at the NCC, Mrs. Freda Bruce-Bennett, disclosed that the framework provides for the establishment of a Central Monitoring Dashboard to be jointly hosted by the NCC and the CBN. She said the dashboard would enable both regulators to monitor transaction failures, identify responsible parties, track refunds and detect SLA breaches in real time.
“Failed top-ups rank among the top three consumer complaints, and in line with our commitment to resolving priority consumer issues, we were determined to address this within the shortest possible time,” she said.
Mrs. Bruce-Bennett expressed appreciation to stakeholders, particularly the Central Bank of Nigeria, for their commitment to resolving the issue and ensuring that telecommunications consumers receive full value for their purchases. She revealed that, pending final approval of the framework, MNOs and banks have jointly refunded over N10 billion to customers for failed transactions.
She added that implementation of the framework is expected to commence on March 1, 2026, following final approvals by the management of both regulators and the completion of technical integration by all MNOs, VAS providers and DMBs.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday received a delegation from the Association of Kano Business Community at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during a thank-you visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
KANO FOCUS reports that the delegation expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support to traders and other victims affected by the recent fire incident that razed several sections of the popular Singer Market in Kano.
Speaking during the meeting, the Vice President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborating with the Kano State Government and relevant agencies to prevent a recurrence of fire outbreaks in markets across the state.
He assured the delegation that President Tinubu has the interests of Kano people at heart, noting that the N5 billion approved as immediate relief for victims was based on the findings of a preliminary assessment of the damage caused by the inferno.
Shettima reiterated that the Federal Government would continue to support efforts aimed at restoring commercial activities and strengthening safety measures in markets to protect lives and property.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has inaugurated a 23-member committee to oversee the transparent and equitable distribution of financial assistance and relief materials to victims of the recent Singer Market fire disaster.
KANO FOCUS reports that the inauguration was carried out on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Faruq Ibrahim, who chairs the committee. The event was presided over by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude.
According to the Attorney-General, the committee comprises representatives from key government agencies, security services, the Kano Emirate Council, religious leaders, and affected traders.
He said the panel’s mandate includes assessing the extent of losses, verifying genuine victims, ensuring timely distribution of support, and recommending measures to prevent future fire incidents.
The intervention follows support approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as contributions from the APC Governors Forum. It also comes in addition to earlier assistance provided by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting victims of the disaster and restoring commercial activities at Singer Market.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has announced Saturday, March 1, 2026, as the commencement date for the Eid-el-Fitr break for all public and private primary and post-primary schools in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the announcement, contained in the approved 2025/2026 academic calendar, applies to both day and boarding schools across the state.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Enlightenment, Musbahu Aminu Yakasai, parents and guardians of pupils and students in boarding schools are expected to convey their wards home by the early hours of Friday, February 28, 2026.
The statement further explained that boarding school students are to resume on Sunday, March 22, 2026, while day students are to resume on Monday, March 23, 2026.
It added that the second term will continue from Sunday, March 22, 2026, and end on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
The government directed all public and private schools in the state to comply strictly with the directive, warning that non-compliance would be treated as a breach of government instructions.
The Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna Abubakar Makoda, urged parents and guardians to ensure full compliance with the approved resumption dates.
He appreciated parents and residents of the state for their continued cooperation and support to the ministry, and wished pupils and students a successful completion of the Ramadan fast and hitch-free Sallah celebrations.
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