The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, has shed light on how proactive regulatory leadership by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) brought an end to the protracted ₦300 billion USSD debt impasse between telecom operators and deposit money banks.
Adebayo made the disclosure during a congratulatory visit by industry stakeholders to the Chairman of the NCC Board of Commissioners, Dr. Idris Olorunnimbe.
He recounted that the dispute, which had persisted for years, posed significant financial and operational risks to telecom operators and threatened the stability of Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital financial services ecosystem.
According to him, the turning point came under the leadership of the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, whose intervention helped facilitate structured negotiations and enforce a mutually acceptable resolution framework.
“The Commission’s decisive engagement ensured that the matter did not degenerate into service disruptions that could have negatively affected millions of Nigerians who rely on USSD for financial transactions,” Adebayo stated.
He explained that the regulatory approach combined dialogue, oversight, and policy clarity — factors that ultimately restored confidence between telecom operators and financial institutions.
Adebayo further commended the NCC Board for providing institutional backing that strengthened the Commission’s mediation efforts, noting that the resolution underscores the importance of firm and responsive regulation in safeguarding Nigeria’s digital economy.
Reaffirming ALTON’s commitment to collaboration, he pledged continued industry support for regulatory initiatives aimed at deepening digital inclusion and sustaining telecom sector growth.
